South Africa accuses Israel of “acts of genocide” against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip and has therefore appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a motion filed yesterday, South Africa argues, according to the Criminal Court, that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip “pursue the objective of destroying the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as part of the largest national, racial and ethnic group of the Palestinians.” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had already accused Israel of war crimes and “genocide” in the Gaza Strip in November. The Israeli government rejected the allegations “with disgust.”
According to the statute, the Court intends to resolve conflicts between States as peacefully as possible. Their judgments are generally binding. However, a state cannot be forced to implement it. But it can appeal to the UN Security Council to take action on the matter.
An initial hearing on South Africa's demands could take place within weeks. If the court opens the corresponding case, it could still be years before a verdict is reached.