Amnesty International emphasized on Thursday that the ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning South Africa's genocide case against Israel hold significant potential for safeguarding Palestinian civilians. According to Agnes Callamard, the secretary general of Amnesty International, this legal process could play a crucial role in bringing an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and offering a glimmer of hope for international justice.
In response to the US exercising its veto power to hinder the UN Security Council from calling for a ceasefire, Callamard stated that war crimes and crimes against humanity are rampant, emphasizing the real risk of genocide. She underscored the positive obligation of states to prevent and punish genocide and other atrocity crimes.
The destruction and displacement witnessed in Gaza over the last three months, particularly in Northern Gaza, have been extensive. Callamard highlighted that at least 85% of the population has been internally displaced, characterizing it as a deliberate tactic by Israel to render Gaza "unlivable."
Troubling statements from Israeli authorities endorsing illegal deportation or forceful relocation of Palestinians, coupled with dehumanizing language, have further escalated the situation, according to Callamard.
She stressed the importance of the ICJ's examination of Israel's conduct as a vital step in protecting Palestinian lives, restoring trust in the universal application of international law, and paving the way for justice and reparation for victims.
Pending the ICJ's final ruling on potential genocide and other international law crimes committed by Israel, Callamard called for an urgent order to implement provisional measures. Such measures, she argued, would be crucial in preventing further death, destruction, and civilian suffering while serving as a warning to other states against contributing to grave violations and crimes against Palestinians.
South Africa's 84-page filing accuses Israel of genocidal acts, including killings, causing bodily and mental harm, mass expulsion, measures to prevent Palestinian births, and depriving access to essential resources. The hearing on Thursday will be followed by Israel's defense arguments on Friday.
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