South Africa returns re: Israel’s non compliance with ICJ ruling

JVL Introduction

South Africa first went to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024 arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 7th constituted a genocide.  While the ICJ has yet to rule on whether or not a genocide is taking place, it issued three legally binding orders on Israel because it “determined that there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from genocide.”

In addition to Israel “the international community also has an obligation to protect the Palestinian people from genocide, including to take all necessary action to prevent and punish genocide.” (my emph LL)

The South African government have now gone back to the Court outlining the many barbaric, cruel and destructive actions Israel has perpetuated – and continues to perpetrate – on Gaza, including, of course, the numbers killed since the so called “ceasefire”.

The UK government is finally considering stopping trade with settlements but that will make no difference to the people of Gaza who continue to live in appalling and health damaging conditions and always under the risk of further Israeli air strikes.

This article was originally published by South Africa - Department of International Relations and Co-operation on Fri 28 Aug 2026. Read the original here.