THE HAGUE, Netherlands. Israel vehemently denied charges of genocide on Friday, asserting before the United Nations’ top court that it is taking extensive measures to protect civilians amid its military operations in Gaza. The statement came as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded its third round of hearings on emergency measures requested by South Africa, which claims that Israel’s incursion in the southern city of Rafah endangers the “very survival of Palestinians in Gaza” and seeks an immediate cease-fire.
Tamar Kaplan-Tourgeman, a member of Israel’s legal team, defended the nation’s actions, emphasizing the allowance of fuel and medical supplies into the embattled enclave. “Israel takes extraordinary measures in order to minimize the harm to civilians in Gaza,” she told the court.
During Kaplan-Tourgeman’s closing remarks, a protester interrupted, shouting “Liars.” The hearing was briefly paused as security escorted the woman from the gallery.
South Africa, in its statements on Thursday, highlighted the severity of the situation in Gaza, describing it as having reached “a new and horrific stage” and urging the ICJ to mandate a cessation of Israeli military actions. This session marked the third set of hearings on South Africa’s emergency measures since it filed the genocide case in late 2023.
South Africa’s recent request reiterates concerns that Israel’s military actions in Rafah pose an existential threat to Palestinians in Gaza. In a January ruling, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide, though it did not mandate an end to military operations. Judges are now deliberating on the latest request, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
The ICJ has the authority to order cease-fires and other measures, but lacks enforcement power. Historical precedence shows that compliance can be an issue; a 2022 ICJ order demanding Russia halt its invasion of Ukraine remains unfulfilled.
The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, has led to extensive casualties. Palestinian militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in the initial attack. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, though this figure does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
South Africa initiated the legal proceedings in December 2023, aligning the campaign with its national history and values. The African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party, has frequently compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank to its own apartheid history, which ended in 1994.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
