South Africa v. Israel: The Genocide Case at the International Court of Justice
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, Barrister, Matrix Chambers; counsel for South Africa
The first genocide in history where its victims are broadcasting their own destruction in real time in the desperate, so far vain hope that the world might do something.
On 29 December 2023, South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza and requesting provisional measures. At the public hearing on 11 January 2024, barrister Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, presenting part of South Africa’s case, told the Court:
“The first genocide in history where its victims are broadcasting their own destruction in real time in the desperate, so far vain hope that the world might do something.”
On 26 January 2024, the Court found that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa under the Genocide Convention were plausible and indicated provisional measures, ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and to enable humanitarian assistance. Further orders followed in March and May 2024, and numerous states have since filed declarations of intervention; the case on the merits remains before the Court.
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