THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The legal representatives from South Africa submitted an extensive document, spanning nearly 5,000 pages, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday. This submission marks a significant development in the ongoing legal action initiated by South Africa, in which the nation accuses Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
According to a statement released by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, this document articulates the central argument that Israel possesses a “special intent to commit genocide.” However, the ICJ has indicated that the contents of the document will remain confidential until later in the proceedings.
Israel has strongly refuted the allegations, branding the lawsuit as “blood libel.” This response came after South Africa lodged the complaint in December 2023, provoking a firm backlash from the Israeli government.
On the same day, an official from the ICJ confirmed receipt of the extensive document. The court proceedings coincide with ongoing military operations in northern Gaza, where the Israeli military has urged local Palestinians to evacuate due to escalated hostilities that have persisted for over three weeks. The United Nations reported that, as of earlier this month, around 400,000 individuals remain in northern Gaza, facing severe food shortages as the flow of humanitarian assistance has drastically decreased in recent weeks.
The ICJ has previously issued three sets of emergency measures, instructing Israel to cease military actions in Rafah and to facilitate the opening of more land crossings for humanitarian aid to reach the region. According to South African officials, Israel has not complied with these directives. Ramaphosa’s statement criticized Israel’s actions, asserting that the disregard for international law jeopardizes the very foundations of global governance established to hold all nations responsible.
In addition to South Africa, several other nations, including Palestine, Spain, and Chile, alongside seven additional countries, have expressed interest in joining the case. Israel has until July 2025 to issue its response to the allegations.
This military escalation follows a severe incident on October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 others.