The two-day hearings conducted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding South Africa’s request to halt Israel’s military offensive in Gaza have come to a close. South Africa had submitted a plea to the ICJ a week ago, seeking an order to put an end to Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
During Thursday’s session, Vusimuzi Madonsela, South Africa’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized the urgency for the court to instruct Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza, including Rafah, and withdraw its troops from the entire Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the ambassador urged Israel to take “all necessary measures” to ensure unhindered access to Gaza for the United Nations and humanitarian aid.
Israeli Justice Ministry official Gilad Noam told the judges on Friday that Israel has been involved in a “tragic war” to defend itself, and denied South Africa’s “allegations regarding genocide.”
Israeli lawyer Tamar Kaplan Tourgeman emphasized Israel’s “inherent right to defend itself,” and urged the court to reject South Africa’s request.
The President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Nawaf Salam, announced that the court will deliver its decision during a public session at the earliest opportunity.