The ICJ hears scathing testimony from South Africa accusing Israel of engineering Gaza’s humanitarian collapse.
South Africa has told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel is intentionally starving the people of Gaza by cutting off humanitarian aid, creating what it called a famine “by design”. The accusation was delivered by Zane Dangor, director-general of international relations, during Tuesday’s session at The Hague.
South Africa is among 40 countries presenting legal arguments before the ICJ this week, in response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst Israel’s military operations against Hamas. The hearings come amid growing concern over the near-total collapse of humanitarian aid to the region.
“A Crisis Engineered with Impunity”
Dangor emphasized that the suffering endured by Palestinians was not incidental but the result of deliberate action. He described Israel’s behavior as one of “impunity,” citing the systematic prevention of humanitarian assistance and evictions of United Nations staff as violations of international norms.
“Israel continues to act with impunity, enjoying an exceptionalism that shields it from accountability,” Dangor told the court. “This collapse is by design.”
He quoted Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz’s April 16 remarks: “Israel’s policy is clear – no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza… There are no preparations to enable such aid.”
Starvation as a Weapon
Palestinian NGOs and aid organizations have warned that Gaza is teetering on the brink of a catastrophic famine. South Africa argued that the denial of aid — combined with mass forced displacement and destruction of infrastructure — constitutes collective punishment and breaches humanitarian law.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s legal advisor, Nokukhanya Jele, added that Israel’s conduct violated multiple ICJ rulings mandating the unimpeded delivery of aid.
“Israel cannot use starvation as a method of warfare. These acts are manifestly illegal under international humanitarian law,” Jele said.
Legal Orders Ignored
Despite the ICJ issuing three provisional measures in 2024 ordering Israel to allow humanitarian access, South Africa says Israel has blatantly ignored them. These measures were part of South Africa’s broader genocide case filed in December 2023, which has now seen four legal filings aimed at halting Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Jele stressed that these orders are not optional. “They form part of Israel’s legal obligations under international law. Its refusal to comply further deepens the crisis.”
“They Are Human Beings”
State law advisor Jaymion Hendricks offered a stirring reminder of the human toll.
“Palestinians are not abstract figures in a war zone,” he said. “They are human beings – flesh and blood – with the same right to life and dignity as anyone in this chamber.”
He warned that Israel’s actions not only violate the Geneva Conventions but also obstruct international humanitarian solidarity.
“The World Has Failed Palestine”
Hendricks closed South Africa’s presentation with a sobering reflection: “The only certainty Palestinians have is that tomorrow will be worse. The world has failed them. We must act now, or lose whatever remains of our shared humanity.”
Not Just Symbolism
While the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and legal weight. South Africa sees this process as essential to upholding international law.
The hearings continue as Gaza remains sealed off from international aid — a dire reality for the 2.4 million people living under blockade.
{Source: The Citizen}
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