On January 11, 2024, South Africa presented its arguments to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of “genocidal conduct” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The video of South Africa’s case is 3 hours long and describes in detail, with evidence, why they believe what is happening now is a genocide. Usually, genocide is difficult to prove as it requires proof of intent to wipe a certain group out. However, in the case of Israel, several government officials have been clear about their intent to “wipe Gaza off the map” in public broadcasts and on social media.

South Africa, a nation who itself battled apartheid, recognizes that Israel is an apartheid state. The late Desmond Tutu said in a 2011 interview that the apartheid of Israel is “in many instances worse” than the apartheid of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela said “we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” There is a deep love for Nelson Mandela among Palestinians, with a main square in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine called Mandela Square, complete with a 20 foot tall statue of the late freedom fighter.

In terms of the court case at the ICJ, it could take years before a final verdict is reached. However the court ruled on January 26, 2024 that Israel must do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. The court provided half-dozen orders which will be difficult to achieve without some sort of cease-fire.

The International Court of Justice felt that South Africa had provided ample evidence of an ongoing genocide and that the situation was urgent enough to institute provisional measures quickly.