Israel has filed its response in South Africa’s genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), more than a year after Pretoria submitted its detailed written arguments to the court.
Image: AFP
South Africa has moved a step closer in its genocide case against Israel, after Jerusalem formally filed its response with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), more than a year after Pretoria submitted its detailed legal arguments.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Thursday that Israel’s written pleadings have now been received. “Government has noted the filing of Israel's response to SA’s written pleadings in the case,” he said, adding that Pretoria will carefully examine the submission before deciding on its next steps.
The case, launched by South Africa in 2023, alleges that Israel’s military operations in Gaza constitute acts of genocide against Palestinians. Health authorities report that over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and mass displacement leaving civilians in urgent need of food, water, medical care, and other essential services.
South Africa filed its memorial — a comprehensive legal document outlining evidence and arguments — on October 28, 2024. Although the ICJ originally set July 28, 2025, as the deadline for Israel’s response, Jerusalem requested two extensions, which the court granted.
Magwenya said Pretoria will now determine whether to submit a written reply or move directly to the oral phase of the proceedings. He stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues unabated, despite a 2025 ceasefire and three binding provisional ICJ orders requiring Israel to prevent acts potentially falling under the Genocide Convention and to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres this week described the situation in Gaza as “dire,” while Magwenya highlighted additional regional tensions, including Israeli attacks in Lebanon and escalating Gulf conflicts, which have compounded the humanitarian emergency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa framed the case as a critical test of international law and global accountability. “At a time of growing global division and the systematic undermining of multilateral institutions, the crisis in Gaza represents an opportunity to unite humanity and remind us all of our shared values,” he said. Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to uphold the Genocide Convention and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Meanwhile, several countries have formally intervened in the proceedings. The United States has filed a declaration asserting that Israel has not committed genocide, while the Netherlands and Iceland have also submitted declarations, citing their status as parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention.
As Israel’s arguments are examined, global attention remains fixed on the ICJ case, which South Africa hopes will enforce accountability and provide a legal framework to protect civilians in Gaza.
DAILY NEWS