South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel strongly denies the allegation.
The ICJ, the top court of the United Nations, is being asked to provide a legal opinion on this matter. Unlike the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICJ doesn’t prosecute individuals but can influence international opinion.
Genocide involves acts intending to destroy part of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. South Africa claims Israel’s actions, like airstrikes, and inactions contribute to genocide.
Israel rejects this, emphasizing its efforts to avoid civilian harm. The ICJ may order Israel to suspend military operations, but compliance is uncertain.
A final ruling on genocide could take years. South Africa, critical of Israel, sees parallels with its apartheid struggle and has obligations as a UN Genocide Convention signatory.
(Original information sourced from BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67922346