LONDON — On Friday, the Israeli delegation began defending its position in a two-day hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following an urgent appeal by South Africa.
The second day of the hearing in The Hague commenced with opening remarks from Israeli representative Gilad Noam. He expressed surprise at the hearing’s short notice, noting that Israel’s request to reschedule was denied.
Noam asserted that Israel has diligently worked to protect civilians and emphasized its right and obligation to defend its citizens.
On Thursday, South Africa requested the ICJ to order an end to Israel’s Gaza offensive, seeking additional provisional measures against Israel. The South African delegation cited “willful breaches” of the court’s binding orders by Israel, prompting the urgent return to the court due to the “continuing annihilation of the Palestinian people.”
South Africa’s urgent request, filed last Friday, highlighted Israel’s attacks on Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where over 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
In its request, South Africa stated that the provisional measures previously indicated by the Court do not fully address the changed circumstances and new facts. South Africa initially brought Israel to the ICJ in late 2023, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
An interim ruling in January found it “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and ordered Tel Aviv to cease such acts and ensure humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians.–News Desk