THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Palestinian representatives have formally requested to join South Africa’s case at the top U.N. court, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
The request, made public on Monday, claims that Israel’s ongoing military actions are part of a “systematic effort to eradicate Palestinian society, its culture, and its social institutions.” The application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was submitted on behalf of the “State of Palestine” and signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi.
South Africa initiated this case late last year, accusing Israel of violating the genocide convention through its military actions that have devastated much of Gaza. Israel denies these allegations, asserting that its military operations aim to dismantle Hamas, especially after the deadly attacks on October 7.
The conflict has intensified in Rafah, a city that was once a major center for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. The Israeli military’s actions have severely disrupted the flow of essential supplies such as food and medicine, leading to widespread deprivation among the Palestinian population.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults have resulted in the deaths of over 36,000 Palestinians. The ministry’s figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
The ICJ has already issued three preliminary orders in this case, urging Israel to take measures to prevent deaths in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, and recently, to cease its offensive in Rafah.
It remains uncertain when the ICJ judges will make a decision regarding the Palestinians’ request. If approved, Palestinian officials will be able to present their arguments in writing and during public hearings.
In their submission, the Palestinians emphasized the direct impact of South Africa’s case on their situation, stating: “The Israeli attacks have destroyed and severely damaged Gaza’s hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops, and infrastructure, as part of a systematic effort to erase Palestinian society, its culture, and its social institutions.”
The request also alleges that Israel is defying the court’s orders and continuing “genocidal acts,” including deliberately obstructing humanitarian aid, leading to a situation of engineered starvation and a looming famine.
This is not the first time Palestinian officials have approached the ICJ. In 2018, the Palestinian Authority filed a case asking the court to order the U.S. to remove its embassy from Jerusalem, following then-President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate the embassy from Tel Aviv.
The ICJ handles disputes between states, and cases often take years to resolve. Although the U.N. General Assembly recently granted Palestine some new rights and privileges, Palestine remains a non-member observer state without full U.N. membership and voting rights.
The U.S. has clearly stated that it will block Palestinian attempts for full membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel address key issues such as security, borders, and the future of Jerusalem, aiming for a two-state solution.
