The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, will on Friday deliver its judgment on whether it will grant emergency measures to stop the war in the Gaza Strip.
This comes after South Africa approached the ICJ in December last year, under the Genocide Convention, for alleged attacks committed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
“On Friday, 26 January 2024, the International Court of Justice will deliver its order on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip,” read a statement from the ICJ.
The statements add that a public sitting will take place at 1pm at the Peace Palace in The Hague, wherein Judge Joan E Donoghue, the president of the ICJ, will read the court’s order.
Both South Africa and Israel two weeks ago made their presentations before the ICJ regarding the matter.
In its application, Pretoria is requesting the ICJ grant interim injunctions, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure that the displaced return to their homes.
It also wants the top United Nations (UN) court to issue an order that Palestinians be allowed access to humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter, and clothing.
Finally, South Africa also want the court to take necessary steps to punish those involved in the genocide and preserve the evidence of genocide.
Meanwhile, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has arrived in The Netherlands, to represent the country ahead of Friday’s judgment.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 25 000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated on 7 October 2023.
