South Africa has taken a leading role at the International Court of Justice
The Hague – South Africa has taken a leading role at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, advocating for the rights of Palestinians and urging Israel to fulfill its international legal obligations to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The hearings, which began this week, are part of a broader international effort to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians face acute shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies due to an ongoing blockade.
Representing South Africa, government officials emphasized that international law prohibits the acquisition of territory by force and mandates the protection of civilians under occupation.
They argued that Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery violate the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, both of which require the occupying power to ensure the welfare of the civilian population.
South Africa’s submission to the court highlighted that, since March, Israel has imposed its longest blockade on Gaza, halting nearly all humanitarian aid.
This move, according to South Africa and several other countries, has left millions of Palestinians without essential supplies and constitutes a deliberate policy to deny aid.
The South African delegation underscored that their advocacy is not politically motivated but rooted in obligations recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, positioning South Africa as a global advocate for the protection of Palestinian refugees.
The ICJ hearings have drawn participation from 38 nations, including major global powers and regional organizations such as the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union. These groups are presenting their perspectives on Israel’s responsibilities to facilitate aid access to Gaza. A senior Palestinian official, Ammar Hijazi, told the court that Israel is using humanitarian assistance as a “weapon of war,” noting that no food or medical aid has reached Gaza’s 2.3 million residents since early March.
Israel, for its part, has rejected the allegations, with officials labeling the proceedings as a “circus” and defending its actions as necessary for security reasons.
However, the global response has been largely supportive of South Africa’s position, with approximately 45 countries joining the call for an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.
The hearings are expected to continue throughout the week, with the ICJ likely to take several months before issuing its advisory opinion.
While the court’s findings are non-binding, they carry significant moral and political weight and could influence international policy and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
South Africa’s positive and principled stance at the ICJ has been widely praised by human rights groups and international observers. By championing the cause of humanitarian access and adherence to international law, South Africa is reinforcing its legacy as a global advocate for justice and human rights.
South Africa Leads ICJ Push for Gaza Humanitarian Aid Access (May 2, 2025)
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Tags: South Africa, ICJ, Gaza, Israel, humanitarian aid, international law, Fourth Geneva Convention, United Nations, occupied territories, human rights, World Court, blockade, Palestine, advisory opinion, global advocacy
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