South Africa has filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice. The application concerns alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. According to the Application, "acts and omissions by Israel . . . are genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent . . . to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group" and that "the conduct of Israel - through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on its instructions or under its direction, control or influence - about Palestinians in Gaza, is in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention". The Applicant further states that "Israel, since 7 October 2023 in particular, has failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide" and that "Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza".
To unpack this issue further, We are now joined by SABC International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena.
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