In a significant move to uphold international justice, South Africa has initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention due to actions in the Gaza Strip. Malaysia has expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the need for accountability.
On October 28, 2024, South Africa submitted a comprehensive memorial to the ICJ, detailing evidence of alleged genocidal acts by Israel in Gaza. The document, spanning over 750 pages and supported by more than 4,000 pages of exhibits and annexes, accuses Israel of promoting the destruction of Palestinians through various means, including
- Physical killings using destructive weapons.
- Depriving access to humanitarian assistance.
- Creating life-threatening conditions aimed at physical destruction.
- Ignoring and defying provisional measures of the ICJ.
- Using starvation as a weapon of war to depopulate Gaza through mass death and forced displacement.
The memorial also highlights Israel’s alleged failure to prevent incitement to genocide and to punish those responsible for such acts.
Malaysia has welcomed South Africa’s application to the ICJ, viewing it as a timely and tangible step toward legal accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Malaysian government has called on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law and to immediately end its actions against Palestinians.
In response, Israel has rejected the allegations, describing them as false and grossly distorted. Israel’s legal representatives have argued that their military actions are defensive measures against Hamas, not the Palestinian people, and that the intent to destroy a people, a key component of genocide, is entirely absent.
This collaboration between South Africa and Malaysia underscores a shared commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights. Both nations are leveraging legal avenues to seek accountability and justice for alleged violations, reflecting a broader dedication to global justice and the rule of law.
