PRETORIA - South Africa has started an application against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its actions in its war with Hamas.
READ: Israel bombs Gaza as Egypt hosts Hamas to discuss truce proposal
In its application, the government says Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide and ethnic cleansing.
It further says there are ongoing reports of international crimes, such as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
More than 21,000 people are reported to have been killed in the nearly three months of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, with the majority of casualties being civilians. Israel has repeatedly targeted schools, hospitals and mosques, claiming they are used as Hamas bases.
Neonatal care centres have also not been spared, resulting in the killing of newborn babies.
ICC PRESS RELEASE: The Republic of South Africa institutes proceedings against the State of Israel and requests the Court to indicate provisional measures https://t.co/MMpqoheUtk pic.twitter.com/oeWLtKx4fL
— Presidency | South Africa (@PresidencyZA) December 29, 2023