Gaza is at the center of a crucial hearing today at the World Court. South Africa is urging the International Court of Justice to implement emergency measures to halt Israel’s onslaught in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Judges were informed that the Palestinian population faces “ongoing annihilation.”
South Africa is demanding protection for Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are sheltering. They also seek to ensure that UN officials, humanitarian organizations, journalists, and investigators have unrestricted access to Gaza. South Africa argues that Israel has continuously ignored and violated previous court orders.
Vaughan Lowe, South Africa’s legal representative, addressed the judges. “The key point today is that Israel’s declared aim of wiping Gaza from the map is about to be realized,” he stated. He stressed that evidence of “appalling crimes and atrocities” is being destroyed. “It’s literally being bulldozed,” Lowe added, arguing that this destruction erases evidence and undermines justice.
Israel is set to respond to these allegations tomorrow. Previously, Israel has dismissed South Africa’s claims as baseless. They assert that they have increased efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, complying with the World Court’s orders.
The hearing at the World Court is a pivotal moment. South Africa’s plea underscores the urgent need to protect civilians in Gaza. The international community is closely monitoring as the court considers these serious accusations.
