More than two years after South Africa took the step of bringing Israel before the world’s highest court, the legal battle is set to continue for several more years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) established a new schedule for the next phase of proceedings, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The latest development means a final resolution remains a distant prospect, with key legal submissions now stretching into 2029.
The ICJ has ordered South Africa to submit its next round of arguments by November 2027, while Israel will have until May 2029 to file its response. The timeline follows Israel’s submission of its Counter-Memorial earlier this year, marking another significant procedural step in one of the most closely watched international legal disputes in recent history.
The case was launched by South Africa in December 2023 amid escalating violence in Gaza following the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military campaign.
Pretoria argues that Israel‘s actions in Gaza amount to genocide under international law. Israel has consistently rejected the accusation, maintaining that its military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and protecting its citizens following the attacks.
While the lengthy timeline has surprised some observers, legal experts note that complex cases before the ICJ often move slowly. Multiple rounds of written submissions are common, particularly in disputes involving the Genocide Convention.
The Presidency has pointed out that previous genocide-related cases heard by the court have also included additional rounds of written arguments, allowing both parties to respond in detail to each other’s claims.
A further complication is Israel’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction. South Africa will now be required to address those objections in its upcoming submission, potentially adding another layer of legal debate before the court can fully focus on the merits of the case.
South Africa has repeatedly argued that claims of self-defence cannot justify acts that would constitute genocide under international law. The government’s stance remains unchanged despite Israel’s insistence that its military campaign is a legitimate response to the October 2023 attacks.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has previously indicated that South Africa intends to pursue the matter until the court reaches a final determination, regardless of how long the process takes. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also framed the case as part of a broader effort to uphold international law and strengthen global accountability mechanisms.
Although the main case is still years away from completion, the ICJ has already issued provisional measures requiring Israel to take steps aimed at preventing genocidal acts and improving humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza. Those orders remain binding while the broader case proceeds through the court.
However, debate continues over their effectiveness, with humanitarian organisations repeatedly raising concerns about conditions inside Gaza and access to aid.
While the legal process unfolds in The Hague, the human cost of the conflict remains at the centre of international concern. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, 72 938 people have been killed since the conflict escalated in late 2023, with the reported death toll continuing to rise, with the latest mass-killing reportedly taking place as recently as 31 May, with 33 people killed and eight injured.
One Palestinian was killed and eight others were injured by Israeli army fire in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha to 33 people, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Sunday, Anadolu reports.
The ministry added in a… pic.twitter.com/UqyK0kttn6
— Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) May 31, 2026
With the next major court deadlines now set years into the future, attention is likely to remain focused not only on the legal arguments being prepared behind closed doors, but also on the humanitarian situation that prompted one of the most significant international cases of the decade.
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