Israel responded to South Africa’s new demands before the International Court of Justice. Pretoria has accused Israel of violating the Genocide Convention and asked judges to issue new emergency measures. On January 26, the court ordered Israel to take several measures, including the passage of humanitarian aid. On Monday, faced with the situation in Rafah and the threat of military action, with more than a million displaced people congregating south of the enclave, South Africa asked judges to take further action. Israel replied.
Published on:
2 minutes
From our correspondent in The Hague, Stephanie Maupass
” Morally opposed », Israel responds on three pages. A response whose tone is not common before this CourtUN.
The Jewish State, without reservation, guarantees that it respects international law and ensures that it ” Mentioned in words and deeds ” We can read this in the answer presented to the court by Israel.
Two weeks after the judges’ first order, Pretoria warned of the situation in Rafah. but condemned the military invasion bySouth Africa Israel says no position has been taken in the south of the enclave, which sees in this new request a cynical attempt to use the court ” A sword instead of a shield “
South Africa wants the court to rule on conduct of hostilities, write Israeli lawyers, who assert that a Hamas battalion is the target of operations in Rafah.
Judges must render judgments quickly. In their first order of January 26, they ordered Israel to submit a report on the implementation of the ordered measures. This report has to be submitted to the judges on February 26. Judges can then revise the steps already decided.
Also readWar in Gaza: South Africa files new request before ICJ against Israel
