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On Jan. 12, Israel delivered oral arguments rejecting South Africa’s claims of Israeli genocide in Gaza in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In South Africa v. Israel, South Africa alleges that Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza has violated the 1948 Convention Against Genocide. At this stage of the proceedings, South Africa seeks a directive, or “provisional measure,” from the ICJ that would order Israel to stop operations in Gaza on the basis that South Africa’s claims are plausible and that irreparable harm is possible if Israeli operations continue. 

Among other arguments, Israel’s representatives contend that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction, as there is no “dispute” over whether Israel has committed genocide; the standards of irreparable harm and urgency required to establish provisional measures are not satisfied, as Israel has taken pains to mitigate civilian harm by asking civilians to leave conflict areas and allowing substantial levels of humanitarian aid to pass into Gaza; and provisional measures halting Israeli operations would violate Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.

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On Jan. 11, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held a public hearing in the case of South Africa v. Israel, on whether Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza. In its first public hearing of the case, the ICJ heard the South African legal delegation’s oral arguments, in which they alleged that Israel’s actions in Gaza have violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention of 1948. South Africa also argued that the court should grant the nine provisional measures requested in its complaint against Israel, including ordering the halt of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip while the case is ongoing.

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