The South African government has officially noted Israel’s response to the written pleadings submitted in the case concerning the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Cape {town} Etc reports.
The response from Israel was filed on Thursday, 12 March 2026, following an initial deadline set by the Court of 28 July 2025, to which Israel requested two extensions.
In a statement released by the Presidency, officials indicated that South Africa will now review Israel’s response to determine the appropriate next steps, which may include requesting permission from the Court for further written submissions or moving directly to the oral phase of proceedings.
These legal proceedings are taking place in the context of a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing bombardments have resulted in substantial loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Despite a ceasefire purportedly established on 10 October 2025, reports have emerged indicating that Palestinian civilians continue to endure severe hardships, with the situation exacerbated by lack of access to essential services, food, and humanitarian aid.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently remarked on the dire conditions in Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for humanitarian access as the violence persists.
The ongoing conflict in the region, particularly with the fighting spilling over into Lebanon, raises fears of a prolonged and expanded conflict that could have grave implications for both regional and international peace and security.
The South African Presidency highlighted that the unlawful occupation of Palestine by Israel has been documented by various UN bodies and non-governmental organisations, reinforcing the arguments that Israel is violating international law and obstructing the basic human rights of Palestinians, including their right to self-determination.
This assessment aligns with findings from the ICJ, the United Nations’ principal judicial body, which has reiterated the need for compliance with international legal standards.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, reflecting on the broader implications of the situation, stated, ‘At a time of growing global division and the systematic undermining of the multilateral system, the crisis in Gaza represents an opportunity to unite humanity and remind us all of our shared values. We must all answer to the call to defend the principles of international law and to re-assert the vital role played by the UN and international dispute settlement mechanisms like the ICJ,’
He further urged for collective action to fulfil the promises encapsulated in the Genocide Convention and the UN Charter, which aim to liberate humans from the ‘odious scourge’ of genocide an urgent call echoed as the crisis continues to unfold.
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Picture: Gallo Images / Jeffrey Abrahams
