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 affect 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 to allow humanitarian aid into the region.
The case includes a 500‑page submission filed in October 2024 and is expected to proceed with oral hearings in 2027, with a final judgment anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028. The ICJ’s provisional measures have seen limited compliance; Palestinian health authorities report that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Ramaphosa stressed that justice is essential for true reconciliation, stating that healing and accountability are necessary for progress.
The ceasefire has raised concerns that it may grant Israel impunity. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed 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, Turkey and Colombia have expressed support for South Africa’s case at the ICJ. Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that governments that fail to act risk complicity. 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 advances, 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 proceedings expected to continue into 2027, developments will be closely monitored while awaiting the Court’s final decision.
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