Ahmad 
The first session of the International Court of Justice began on Thursday to hear South Africa’s case against Israel for genocide committed in the Gaza Strip.
The International Court of Justice heard South Africa’s arguments, while Israel responded within a day to the allegations.
A decision on the expedited proceedings is expected later this month, and the court will not issue its verdict at this time, as these procedures could take years.
South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said that the destruction of Palestinian lives did not begin on October 7 but since 1948, noting that South Africa will provide evidence that Israel has attempted to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip.
In her pleading, South African Attorney, Adila Hassim, presented the acts of genocide committed by Israel during its ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip, which amount to genocide and violate Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
South African prosecutor Timbeka Ngkokaitobi touched on Israel’s genocidal intentions, citing statements by Israeli officials, led by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.