The Palestinian Authority has submitted a request to the International Court of Justice, seeking to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The request, signed by Ammar Hijazi, a foreign ministry official, claims that Israel’s military operation is part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map. The Palestinian Authority asserts that Israel’s onslaught has obliterated parts of Gaza, including hospitals and schools, and is deliberately impeding humanitarian aid, resulting in a situation of starvation and famine.
The case, filed by South Africa in late 2019, accuses Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault on Gaza. Israel has denied committing genocide, claiming its operation is designed to crush Hamas in response to the October 7 attacks in southern Israel. The court has issued three preliminary orders, calling on Israel to prevent deaths in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, and halt its offensive in Rafah. If the Palestinian Authority’s request is granted, they will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.
The request highlights the devastating impact of Israel’s actions on Gaza, stating that the territory’s hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops, and infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged beyond recognition. The Palestinians are seeking to join the case because they are directly affected by Israel’s actions, and are seeking justice and relief from the court. The request also asserts that Israel is violating the court’s orders and continuing to commit “genocidal acts”, including impeding humanitarian aid and creating a situation of starvation and famine.
Israel Accused of Genocidal Acts in Gaza
The Palestinians have a history of seeking justice at the International Court of Justice. In 2018, they filed a case asking the court to order the United States to remove its relocated embassy from Jerusalem. The case remains before the court, where cases can take years to resolve. The international community has reaffirmed Palestine’s status as a non-member observer state, without full UN membership and the right to vote in the General Assembly or at any of its conferences.
The United States has made it clear that it will block Palestinian membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel resolve key issues, including security, boundaries, and the future of Jerusalem, and lead to a two-state solution. The international community must take action to support the Palestinians’ quest for justice and human rights, and hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. The request highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect the people of Gaza from further harm and suffering.
