Africa: Israel/Opt - South Africa ICJ Submission Must Spur States to Press Israel to End Its Genocide in Gaza

What the report says

Amnesty International has said South Africa’s latest submission to the International Court of Justice should prompt other states to increase pressure on Israel to comply with the court’s orders in the case brought over alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The statement, carried by AllAfrica from Amnesty’s London office, centers on South Africa’s filing of evidence that Israel has not followed the ICJ’s provisional measures.

According to the report, South Africa argues that Israel has ignored binding steps ordered by the court, while Amnesty says this aligns with its own assessment that Israeli authorities have continued actions it considers genocidal, including limits on aid, destruction of civilian infrastructure and failures to prevent incitement. The organization also criticized what it described as inaction by many other states and said some have supported Israel diplomatically, financially or materially.

The article says the ICJ first issued provisional measures in January 2024, with additional orders in March and May 2024, including demands to protect Palestinians from genocidal acts, improve humanitarian access and preserve evidence. Amnesty says the situation in Gaza remains severe, with continued killings, displacement and blocked reconstruction despite the ceasefire referenced in the report.

Amnesty urged governments to press for implementation of the ICJ measures, halt arms transfers and review economic ties that could contribute to unlawful occupation. It specifically called on South Africa to reassess trade arrangements that may involve rights risks, including coal shipments.