Are Allegations of Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza True?

Israel is set to present an inquiry to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday regarding the actions it has implemented to avoid potential genocide in Gaza. This is to determine if Israel followed the interim regulations ordered by the ICJ on January 26.

South Africa, which initiated the case, claims that Israel has not adhered to the measures. "I believe the rulings of the court have been ignored," stated Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

South Africa Alarmed by Israel's Gaza Genocide

(Photo : Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)
AFAH, GAZA - FEBRUARY 27: People inspect damage and recover items from their homes following Israeli air strikes on February 27, 2024 in Rafah, Gaza. As of Tuesday, 29,878 had been killed in Gaza since the start of the war on Oct. 7, according to the territory's health ministry. Also this week, more details have emerged of a potential new ceasefire deal that could start before Ramadan, pending further negotiations by Israel, Hamas and foreign mediators.

During a diplomatic discussion with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor expressed her country's serious worries about Israel's failure to comply with the initial ruling of the highest court in the world on the prohibition of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Pandor asserted that "Israel's" actions affirm the belief that it intends to destroy the Palestinian people. The South African minister emphasized her nation's commitment to presenting objective arguments regarding the alleged occurrence of "genocide" in Gaza, noting that several countries have expressed their intent to join the case against Israel.

Stating that she believes the court's rulings have been disregarded, Pandor revealed that legal papers for an upcoming court session have been prepared, though a specific date for the hearing is yet to be announced.

South Africa had previously brought Israel to The Hague-based ICJ in January, leading to a series of orders, including an immediate cessation of the alleged genocide in Gaza. However, on January 26, the ICJ refrained from an immediate halt to the Gaza war while emphasizing that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent acts falling within the scope of the Genocide Convention, according to ABNA.

Gaza Crisis Intensifies with Israeli Ground Invasion

The court specifically mandated Israel to urgently facilitate humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, which has endured relentless bombardment and siege since a Hamas attack in Israel on October 7.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a potential ground invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, where an estimated 1.4 million Palestinian civilians sought refuge. The conflict, initiated by a Hamas attack on October 7, resulted in approximately 1,160 casualties in Israel, primarily civilians, according to AFP figures.

Palestinian militants took hostages, with 130 still held in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory actions, including bombardment and ground offensives, have claimed over 30,000 lives in less than five months, with a significant number being women and children, as reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

Warning of an impending famine in the densely populated and besieged territory, aid agencies express deep concern about the humanitarian crisis. While acknowledging the shocking nature of the Hamas attack on Israel, UN representative Turk condemned both sides for their actions, describing the Israeli response as "carnage," Independent Online reported.