<h5>What is the International Court of Justice?</h5><p>The International Court of Justice (ICJ), located in The Hague, Netherlands, was formed in 1945 to settle international disputes. The ICJ also gives advisory opinions on various legal issues presented to it. The ICJ is also known as the World Court. It is a part of the United Nations (UN), alongside the General Assembly, the Security Council, etc.</p><p>The ICJ can only hear a case if one or more states request it. The ICJ can resolve disputes among the UN Member States. Doing so contributes to global peace and security by enabling countries to solve any problems without resorting to violence.</p><p>Any UN member state can bring up a case against another member state, even though they aren’t directly in conflict. This can be done when the common interest of the international community is at risk. Recently, South Africa has brought a case against <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.newsahoot.com/articles/un-general-assembly-votes-for-gaza-ceasefire">Israel</a>.</p><h5>What is South Africa’s case against Israel?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/south-africa-vs-israel-at-the-icj%2FSouth%20Africa.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=c7a5c25b-f805-4379-a716-1e0a9b9faae3"><figcaption>South Africa’s representatives during the hearing. Photo by CIJ_ICJ.</figcaption></figure><p>The ICJ has been urged to investigate whether Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. South Africa has brought this case before the court. South Africa claims Israel is conducting genocide against Palestinians following the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.newsahoot.com/articles/israel-s-iron-dome-overwhelmed-by-repeated-attacks">Hamas attack</a>.</p><p>Reports say that since Israel started its military operation against Hamas, many people have died in Gaza. South Africa has asked the ICJ to act quickly to prevent Israel from committing additional crimes in the Gaza Strip. South Africa also wants the war to be stopped.</p><h5>What is Israel’s reaction to this?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/south-africa-vs-israel-at-the-icj%2FIsrael.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=abc2a7fa-cb83-48f4-8a65-684a73a2d8fd"><figcaption>Israel’s representatives during the hearing. Photo by CIJ_ICJ.</figcaption></figure><p>Israel has criticised South Africa for filing the case. It has defended itself in court. Israel's military says it takes a number of precautions to avoid civilian casualties.</p><p>Their efforts include airdropping warning posters, urging residents to evacuate buildings, and aborting strikes when civilians are present. The Israeli government has also frequently said that it wants to destroy Hamas. It has no issues with the Palestinian people.</p><h5>So, can the court stop Israel’s attack on Gaza?</h5><p>Unlike the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICJ cannot punish individuals for serious crimes, such as genocide. However, its opinions are taken seriously by the UN and other international organisations. The court has heard what both countries had to say during a public hearing held last week. Its decision will be announced at a later date.</p><p>The ICJ cannot force countries to follow whatever it decides. Israel will likely disregard any judgement made against them. In 2022, the court ordered Russia to stop its military operations in Ukraine, but the order was ignored. Let’s see what the court decides and what actions are taken.</p>

South Africa wants the ICJ to investigate whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

South Africa vs Israel at the ICJ

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South Africa vs Israel at the ICJ

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