The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue its order on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case concerning the “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).” The announcement is scheduled for 26 January, at 1 p.m. during a public sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Judge Joan E. Donoghue, the President of the Court, will read the Order during the public sitting.
South Africa initiated legal proceedings against Israel on 29 December 2023, accusing the latter of violating its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. In the application, South Africa urged the Court to indicate provisional measures aimed at preventing further harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention.
Public hearings related to South Africa’s request occurred on 11 and 12 January 2024. The hearings provided an opportunity for both parties to present their arguments before the International Court of Justice.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks reportedly fired shells and live rounds at civilians in northern Gaza City. At least 20 Palestinians have been confirmed dead, and 150 others are reported to be wounded. The United Nations reports that heavy fighting is continuing around two hospitals, Nasser and Al-Amal, in Khan Younis. The situation has left thousands of staff, patients, and displaced individuals trapped inside.
Defying US demands, the Israeli military has demolished hundreds of buildings near the Gaza fence to create a buffer zone. The death toll stands at 25,700 people killed and 63,740 wounded.
The Gaza conflict prompted scrutiny of British arms export licences to Israel, with allegations of potential violations of international law. Legal advocacy groups in London urge the High Court to expedite a judicial review of the UK government’s decision to continue selling military parts and arms to Israel. An opposition Labour lawmaker has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of having “the blood of thousands of innocent people on his hands.”
Israel’s military is investigating the allegations that its forces opened fire on crowds of Palestinians waiting for aid in northern Gaza City. Over 20 people were were killed and more than 170 people were wounded the incident.