Egypt to Officially Support South Africa’s ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

Egypt announced on Sunday its formal backing of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in response to ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s systematic practices against Palestinians, including targeting civilians and destroying infrastructure, leading to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The statement did not specify the nature of the support Egypt would provide to South Africa in the litigation. South Africa had previously requested the ICJ to order Israel to cease the Rafa operation and withdraw from the southern Gazan city, citing risks to humanitarian supplies and basic services.

The recent Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and 78,700 injuries, according to Gaza health authorities. In January, the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. In March, further provisional measures were mandated to ensure the delivery of essential services to Palestinians in Gaza.

South Africa initiated the case in December, accusing Israel of genocide in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel denies the allegations, attributing the conflict to a Hamas attack on Israeli towns that resulted in casualties and hostages. The escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine continue to draw international attention and condemnation.