Opinion
2 hours ago
ICJ to decide on SA's genocide case
BRUSSELS - The International Court of Justice is set to rule on South Africa’s call for a provisional order.
It will apply until the court reaches a final verdict - which could take years.
South Africa asked the court to pause all hostilities in Gaza earlier this month.
And to order Israel to provide humanitarian support.
Its lawyers have argued Israel intends to erase Palestinians as a people and as a culture.
It’s an allegation that Israel’s supporters have called baseless, expressing confidence the court will rule in its favour.
“If it’s judged on the merits, then the whole case should be thrown out. I mean people are going to realise that this is a serious court and it has thrown out something that should not have been accepted in the first place," says Charles Laub, Spokesperson, Belgian Friends for Israel.
Even if South Africa succeeds, there are still questions over whether Israel will respect the ruling.
The ICJ’s verdicts are binding for signatory nations - but only the UN Security Council has the power to enforce them.
Its permanent members the US and France have already criticised the case.
But the EU’s position has been more nuanced.
"We’re of the opinion that the verdict of the ICJ should be respected - it’s the highest UN court," says Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, European Commission
However, South Africa’s case has not found direct support among EU member states.
European Union leaders in Brussels have called for a humanitarian pause in Gaza - instead of a ceasefire.
But the 27-nation bloc as a whole remains fragmented.
Countries such as Germany say they support Israel - while others such as Ireland, Spain and Belgium are more critical of its actions.
Analysts say a verdict in South Africa's favour could embolden those calling for a ceasefire.
Or at least put more pressure on Israel to provide more humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
Ishan Garg, eNCA Brussels