Egypt has announced its intention to support South Africa’s case against Israel’s bombing campaign and ground invasion in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The decision comes in response to the increasing aggression and attacks against civilians in the Palestinian enclave.
The fighting between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas, which began with a surprise raid by the Palestinian militant group into Israeli territory, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of hostages.
The hostilities have spread to Rafah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge. Despite a cease-fire proposal by Egypt and Qatar, Israel has rejected it and continues its assault on Rafah. Egypt has called on Israel to comply with its obligations as the occupying power and to ensure access to humanitarian aid for the Palestinians in Gaza.
The IDF has refuted allegations of deliberately attacking innocent civilians. In the month of January, the ICJ issued a temporary ruling instructing Israel to implement measures to prevent genocide and enhance the humanitarian situation for the people of Gaza.
South Africa’s legal action claims that West Jerusalem has been engaged in systematic war crimes within the Palestinian area. Additionally, Ireland declared its support for Pretoria’s case in late March, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as a clear and widespread violation of international humanitarian law.
