South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to pursuing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), despite the recent US-brokered Gaza ceasefire. Speaking in parliament, Ramaphosa emphasized that the peace deal will not impact the ongoing case, which was filed in December 2023. Israel has been accused of committing genocidal acts in Gaza, and the ICJ has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent such acts and allow humanitarian aid into the region.
The case, which includes a 500-page submission filed in October 2024, is expected to proceed with oral hearings in 2027 and a final judgment anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028. The ICJ’s provisional measures have had limited compliance, with over 67,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities. Ramaphosa stressed the importance of justice for true reconciliation, stating that healing and accountability are necessary for progress.
The ceasefire has sparked concerns that it may grant Israel impunity, with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoing the view that peace without justice is not sustainable. Allegations of genocide against Israel have been made by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and a UN commission of inquiry, although Israel denies these claims. Countries such as Spain, Ireland, Turkiye, and Colombia have expressed support for South Africa’s case at the ICJ, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro warning of complicity for governments that fail to act.
South Africa also co-chairs The Hague Group, a coalition formed in January 2025 to hold Israel accountable through legal, diplomatic, and economic measures beyond the ICJ proceedings. As the case progresses, the international community will be watching closely to see how the ICJ’s judgment will impact the ongoing conflict and the pursuit of justice for victims of alleged genocidal acts. With the case expected to continue into 2027, the international community will be closely monitoring developments and awaiting the ICJ’s final judgment.