South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide captured global attention. The landmark case accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, positioning South Africa as a vocal defender of international law.
Nearly two years later, public frustration grows, with citizens demanding that Pretoria move beyond legal proceedings to impose tangible sanctions. Activists urge the government to cut diplomatic ties, halt trade, and prosecute South Africans who joined Israeli forces in Gaza.
Roshan Dadoo, coordinator of South Africa’s BDS movement, called for closing Israel’s embassy in Pretoria and ending all economic relations immediately. She condemned the ongoing export of South African coal to Israel, claiming it fuels electricity grids that support military operations and settlements.
Critics argue these exports directly enable Israel’s deadly attacks on Gaza, prompting mass protests in August demanding an immediate cessation of coal shipments. Muhammed Desai of Africa4Palestine praised South Africa’s courage but said measures remain insufficient to halt the ongoing genocide and occupation of Palestinians.
More than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks, with nearly 170,000 others wounded, according to Palestinian authorities. A UN commission confirmed that Israel’s siege of Gaza constitutes genocide, with famine killing over 460 people, including more than 150 children.
Experts and former academics called for full trade embargoes, sports bans, and permanent closure of embassies to pressure Israel into compliance with international law. South African advocates are also investigating citizens who fought alongside Israeli forces, citing violations of national laws prohibiting participation in foreign military operations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the ICJ to declare Israel’s actions as genocide and to demand an immediate halt to the violence. Since 2023, Pretoria has withdrawn diplomats from Tel Aviv, condemned attacks on humanitarian aid flotillas, and filed its formal case at the ICJ. As Gaza’s war drags into its third year, South Africans continue calling for decisive, material action to uphold justice and international law.