When it comes to news, it is essential to stay informed about the international events happening every day. Recent news highlights former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, who was appointed to sit on the bench of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to examine the genocide case that South Africa brought against Israel.
Moseneke’s appointment, under Article 31 of the ICJ statute, allows a state party to the case to choose a person of his nationality to sit as an ad hoc judge, in the absence of a regular judge. This is how Moseneke, who retired in 2016, was chosen by South Africa to join the other ICJ judges and hear our case against Israel.
South Africa’s request was submitted on December 29, based on the ICJ convention on genocide. The country is calling for interim measures, including a permanent ceasefire, as well as long-term action to pursue genocide charges against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
South Africa’s legal team will present its case to the ICJ on January 11, while Israel will present its response the following day. The 84-page document presented by South Africa highlights that the Israeli government failed to prevent genocide and pursue direct public incitement to genocide against the Palestinian people. He also maintains that “genocidal acts” were committed against the people of Gaza and continue to this day.
This case highlights the conflict situation between Israel and Palestine, an issue which generates much controversy internationally. It is important to closely follow the developments in this trial before the ICJ, as they could have significant repercussions on the resolution of this complex conflict.
In the meantime, we must stay informed and continue to debate these complex issues, in order to contribute to the search for peaceful and lasting solutions in this troubled region of the world.