jordan pulse -
On Friday, the International Court of Justice will hold its second session in the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel on charges of committing “genocide” in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Today, the court will hear the Israeli point of view in its session.
This case is considered very important for the future of international law compared to any other case, as the court’s role is not limited to interpreting the Genocide Convention, but extends to ensuring its implementation.
On Thursday, the court held the first session, with an introductory pleading presented by the South African State Attorney and Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, followed by the pleading of the South African representative before the court.
For its part, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday considered South Africa's position that it is "the legal arm of the Hamas organization," saying that "South Africa seeks to enable Hamas to commit again the war crimes... which it committed repeatedly on October 7."
South Africa asked the International Court of Justice to indicate 9 interim measures in relation to the Palestinian people as a protected group under the Genocide Convention.
At the beginning of Thursday's public hearing, the court clerk read these nine measures.
First, the State of Israel must immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.
Secondly, Israel must ensure that no steps are taken in furtherance of those military operations.
Third, both the Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel, in accordance with their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide - with respect to the Palestinian people - must take all reasonable measures within their powers to prevent genocide.
Fourth, the State of Israel must, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention, refrain from committing any of the acts that fall within the scope of Article 2 of the Convention, in particular:
(a) killing members of the group.
(b) Causing serious physical or mental harm to members of the group.
(c) Intentionally subjecting the group to living conditions intended to bring about its physical destruction, in whole or in part.
(d) Imposing measures aimed at preventing the birth of children within the group.
Fifth, the State of Israel must, with regard to the Palestinians, cease taking all measures, including the repeal of relevant orders, restrictions and/or prohibitions. In order to prevent:
(a) their expulsion and forced displacement from their homes.
(b) Deprivation of:
1- Access to adequate food and water.
2- Access to humanitarian assistance - including adequate fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation.
3- Medical supplies and assistance.
(c) Destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.
Sixth, the State of Israel must ensure that it does not commit any acts described in points (4) and (5) or participate in direct and public incitement or attempt to commit genocide, or conspire or be complicit in it.
Seventh, Israel must take effective measures to prevent the destruction of evidence related to the allegations, and to ensure its preservation. To this end, Israel must not prevent or restrict the access of fact-finding missions, international mandates and other bodies to Gaza.
Eighth, Israel must report to the Court on all measures taken to implement this order (under interim measures) within one week, from the date of its issuance, and thereafter at regular intervals as the Court orders, until it issues its final decision in the case.
Ninth, the State of Israel must refrain from any action and ensure that no action is taken that may aggravate or prolong the dispute before the Court or make its resolution more difficult.
The kingdom