South Africa’s claim against Israel was heard in The Hague on Thursday, May 16. During the first day of hearings, the judges will hear arguments from South African lawyers. The lawsuit accuses Israel of causing “irreparable damage” with its troop deployment in Rafah and taking control of border crossings that threaten the flow of humanitarian aid and the functioning of hospitals in Gaza.
Documents released by the International Court of Justice last week detailed South Africa’s claims against Israel. Israel denies these accusations, stating that there are no restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza and that the operation in Rafah targets only Hamas militants. The Israeli side is scheduled to present their case at the hearing on Friday.
The International Court of Justice announced the date for consideration of South Africa’s claim just two days before the hearing, which Israel has criticized as illogical.