Over 4,000 pages of text, exhibits filed in support of genocide case against Israel, says govt

CAPE TOWN - Government says it’s filed over 4,000 pages of text and exhibits to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in support of its genocide case against Israel.

Monday was the deadline for filing its memorial, which is the document containing main arguments.

The Presidency said the confidential document contains evidence that shows how Israel has violated the genocide convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza and depriving them of humanitarian assistance.

Government said it’s also demonstrated how Israel has ignored and defied provisional measures issued by the court on three occasions this year.

Government will argue that Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza in efforts to depopulate it through mass death and the forced displacement of Palestinians.

It said that evidence submitted to the court would show that Israel had failed to prevent genocide and also not punished those inciting and committing such acts.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya: "The evidence is detailed in over 750 pages of text, supported by exhibits and annexures of over 4,000 pages. South Africa’s memorial is a reminder to the global community, to remember the people of Palestine, to stand in solidarity with them and to stop the catastrophe."

Government said the action it’s taken is primarily to stop a genocide peacefully by holding Israel accountable through the United Nations institutions set up for this purpose.

It’s thanked other states for supporting South Africa’s action, by filing intervening applications with the court.

Israel will have to file its counter-memorial by July next year.