Israel accused of genocide in Gaza as South Africa demands justice at World Court
By isabelle // 2025-04-30
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  • South Africa has filed a genocide case at the ICJ, accusing Israel of mass atrocities, starvation tactics, and blocking humanitarian aid in Gaza.
  • Israel dismisses the claims as propaganda while facing global isolation for actions that include cutting off food and medicine to 2.3 million civilians.
  • Evidence presented includes forced starvation, indiscriminate bombings, and apartheid-like policies, with the U.N. and Amnesty International backing the accusations.
  • Amnesty International states Israel is committing genocide with "specific intent," citing mass civilian deaths and starvation as proof.
  • The U.S. and European nations continue supporting Israel despite calls for accountability, as South Africa’s legal challenge seeks urgent ICJ intervention.
For months, the world has watched as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza escalated into what human rights groups describe as a "live-streamed genocide." Now, South Africa is taking the Jewish state to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating international law through mass atrocities, starvation tactics, and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Israel continues to dismiss these claims as propaganda while facing growing isolation for its actions, including cutting off food and medicine to 2.3 million civilians. The legal battle, unfolding in The Hague, has exposed Israel’s alleged campaign to dismantle Palestinian life systematically. South Africa’s legal team presented evidence of forced starvation, indiscriminate bombings, and an apartheid-like occupation that violates the rights of Palestinians under international law. Their case, bolstered by testimonies from U.N. officials and human rights organizations like Amnesty International, paints a damning picture of a state acting with impunity.

South Africa’s case: Starvation as a weapon of war

At the heart of South Africa’s case is the accusation that Israel is deliberately starving Gaza’s population, a tactic prohibited under international law. "Israel is blocking essential life-sustaining supplies, reopening the floodgates of horror," declared Zane Dangor, Director-General of South Africa’s Department of International Relations, before the ICJ. He cited reports of famine warnings and the obstruction of aid deliveries as evidence of genocidal intent. Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, a South African legal expert, emphasized that Israel has repeatedly ignored ICJ rulings requiring it to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. "Israel’s conduct — such as blanket bans and restrictive procedures—are clear violations of the law of occupation," she argued, accusing the Israeli government of undermining Palestinian self-determination through illegal annexations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The case also highlights Israel's systematic targeting of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary aid organization for Palestinian refugees. Despite UNRWA’s critical role in providing food, medicine, and shelter, Israel has banned its operations and falsely accused hundreds of its employees of terrorism in a smear campaign many believe was designed to legitimize the destruction of Gaza’s lifelines.

Amnesty International adds to genocide accusations

Amnesty International has echoed South Africa’s claims, declaring in a recent report that Israel is committing genocide with "specific intent." Secretary-General Agnes Callamard condemned the international community for its inaction, stating, "The world has been made audience to a live-streamed genocide... States watched on as if powerless, as Israel killed thousands upon thousands of Palestinians, wiping out entire multigenerational families." With 52,365 Palestinians killed, including entire families buried under rubble, and 1.9 million displaced, Gaza has become a wasteland of desperation. "Children in Gaza are going to bed starving," said UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma. "The siege on Gaza is a silent killer." Despite overwhelming evidence, Israel continues to deny accountability. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed the ICJ hearings as a "circus" and alleged that UNRWA is "infested with Hamas terrorists" — claims that the U.N. has repeatedly refuted. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly vows to continue the war, ignoring global pleas for a ceasefire.

U.S. complicity in Israel’s crimes

While the U.S. and European nations verbally express concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, they continue providing military and diplomatic support to Israel. And with Netanyahu defiant, rejecting any form of accountability, the death toll keeps rising. South Africa’s case at the ICJ may be the last hope to force international action before Gaza is annihilated entirely. Sources for this article include: RT.com MiddleEastEye.net France24.com CNN.com Reuters.com
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