News24 | ICJ finds in favour of SA that Israel is suspected of genocide - but doesn't order ceasefire

Karyn Maughan

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As the International Court of Justice delivered its verdict on provisional measures in South Africa's case against Israel, NEC members and ministers observed the proceedings.

By a strong majority, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found South Africa's accusations about Israel's military operation in Gaza have the potential to constitute genocide - but stopped shy of ordering a ceasefire.

Israel had insisted there was no evidence of a genuine legal dispute between itself and South Africa over the war in Gaza and denied the ICJ had the jurisdiction to hear the genocide case against it. 

It maintains its military action in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 25 000 Palestinians (70% of which were women and children) was a direct result of Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on 7 October which led to the death of 1 200 people and abduction of 240 others.