ICJ hears Israeli war crimes case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will start its first hearing regarding Israel’s ongoing military effort in Gaza.

In late December, South Africa filed a 84-page case to the United Nations highest legal body accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza in violation of the Geneva Convention. While South Africa’s pursuit received support, especially from the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), several Western countries—such as the US and the European Union —voiced heavy opposition. Today, the ICJ will begin the two-day hearing process.

Expect the ICJ to rule in favor of Israel and deem South Africa’s case meritless. This is mainly because of Israel’s strong defensive standpoint which is on the basis of retaliation against a civilian attack initiated by Hamas. This, combined with Hamas deliberately making Gazan civilians vulnerable to Israeli airstrikes, all while Israel is permitting humanitarian aid to Gaza, will likely be sufficient on Israel’s part to weather accusations of genocide. However, expect additional countries—especially those who have had sour relations with Israel— to follow South Africa’s suit, filing similar cases against Israel to the ICJ during the short-to-medium-term.