South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is reviewing Israel’s formal response to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding allegations of violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza. The response was filed on March 12, according to a statement from the department.
“South Africa will now assess Israel’s submission and determine whether to request permission from the Court to provide additional written arguments or proceed directly to the oral hearings,” the statement said.
The department underscored that despite three binding ICJ rulings obliging Israel to prevent acts of genocide, facilitate humanitarian aid, and observe a ceasefire in 2025, destruction and civilian casualties in Gaza persist.
“The situation is further complicated by the escalating Gulf crisis and ongoing Israeli military strikes in Lebanon,” the statement added, cautioning that these developments could intensify the regional conflict, with serious consequences for both regional and global peace and security.
The statement also reiterated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to upholding the country’s obligations under the Genocide Convention and the United Nations Charter.
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