Israel commits Gaza genocide under world’s ‘watchful eye’, ICJ told

"The International Criminal Court Hears the Gaza Genocide Case as Israel's War Continues"

– The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague heard harrowing testimony this week as South Africa presented its case accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza—a conflict unfolding, as one lawyer put it, "under the world’s watchful eye." The historic hearings have rekindled global debate regarding Israel's military offensive, which has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, the displacement of 1.9 million people, and the destruction of much of Gaza. "A Calculated Destruction of Life"

South Africa’s legal team argued that Israel’s bombardment and siege of Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Adila Hassim, a lawyer, stated, "The evidence shows a deliberate and systematic pattern of conduct aimed at destroying Palestinian life in Gaza," citing mass killings, forced starvation, and hospital targeting. One particularly chilling moment came when South Africa’s representatives played audio of Israeli soldiers singing about erasing Gaza, alongside video of entire neighbourhoods flattened by airstrikes. "This is not war—it is annihilation," Hassim told the court.

Israel sent a prominent legal team to deny the allegations after boycotting earlier hearings. Israel's lead counsel, Tal Becker, asserted, "The real genocide was on October 7, when Hamas butchered 1,200 Israelis." He insisted Israel’s military follows international law and blamed Hamas for civilian casualties, accusing the group of using Palestinians as human shields.

The World’s Complicity?

What made the hearings especially damning, observers noted, was the repeated emphasis on the international community’s role. "For months, the world has watched live-streamed genocide," said South African lawyer John Dugard. "Yet powerful nations continue to arm Israel, veto ceasefire resolutions, and look away as children starve."

The U.S., UK, and Germany—key Israeli allies—have rejected the genocide claim, but the ICJ case has deepened rifts. Outside the court, there were demonstrations, with people holding signs that read "Stop the Gaza Holocaust." Meanwhile, Israel’s government launched a diplomatic counteroffensive, accusing South Africa of being a "legal arm of Hamas."

A Test for International Justice

The ICJ did not rule on whether genocide is occurring—a decision that could take years—but in January, it ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts and allow humanitarian aid. Critics say Israel has ignored these measures, pointing to ongoing airstrikes and aid blockades.

If the court eventually rules against Israel, the consequences could be historic. While the ICJ lacks enforcement power, a genocide finding would isolate Israel further and increase pressure for sanctions. Already, several Latin American and European nations have suspended arms sales to Israel.

Gaza’s Unbearable Reality

For Palestinians in Gaza, the legal battle feels distant from their daily fight for survival. "We don’t need the ICJ to tell us this is genocide," said Dr. Ahmed al-Madhoun, a surgeon in Rafah. "I’ve amputated children’s limbs without anaesthesia. I’ve buried entire families. The world sees it—but does nothing."

With Israel now preparing a ground invasion of Rafah, where 1.4 million displaced people are sheltering, fears of further bloodshed grow. The UN warns of "apocalyptic" consequences. Yet as the ICJ deliberates, Gaza’s fate hangs in the balance—not just on the battlefield, but in the court of global conscience.

Conclusion: A Moral Reckoning

The case marks a pivotal moment for international law. Even if no ruling stops the bombs, the genocide accusation has shattered Israel’s long-standing impunity. "History will judge not just Israel, but every leader who enabled this," said South Africa’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola.

As the hearings closed, one question lingered: If this isn’t genocide, what is? And if the world keeps watching, does that make it complicit?