Israel intent on ‘destroying Palestinian life’, SA lawyers argue at fourth ICJ hearing

CAPE TOWN - South Africa has told the International Court of Justice that its latest bid may be the last chance for the court to prevent the complete destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.

In a public hearing in The Hague on Thursday, the government made its fourth approach to the world’s highest court, this time pleading for it to immediately stop Israel’s incursion in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

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It’s advanced new evidence, it says, proves Israel’s genocidal intent in flagrant violation of the United Nation’s Genocide Convention.

Israel is expected to deliver its counterarguments on Friday morning.

ISRAEL’S INTENT

A visibly emotional advocate Adila Hassan provided the court with a detailed account of the death and destruction in Gaza, and in particular the changing circumstances in Rafah, the last place of refuge for Palestinians who’ve fled their homes in northern and central Gaza.

“Israel says only what suits them, only if and when it suits them, notwithstanding the facts on the ground that have been presented here today.”

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukatoibi argued genocidal intent by Israel’s leaders in statements made since the court last ordered additional provisional measures in March.

“The genocidal acts described in South Africa’s application were foreseen and foreseeable from the onset. Israel’s intent was always to destroy Palestinian life and to wipe them off the face of the earth.”

Irish barrister Blinne Ni Gralaigh told the court this was the end game for Gaza, and the last chance for it to intervene.