January 11, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
PBS NewsHourJan 23
ICJ: Israel Responds to South Africa's 'Urgent Request' in Genocide Case
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The Facts
Israel on Thursday responded to South Africa's latest application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on the court to take additional measures against Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip.
In a three-page filing with the court, lawyers for Israel reiterated their view that South Africa's application "is wholly unfounded in fact and law, morally repugnant, and represents an abuse both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court itself."
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
After the ICJ ordered Israel to take steps to further prevent what could be constituted as genocide, there is little evidence to suggest the country has changed course. In fact, since the ruling, Israel has intensified its bombing and looks poised to attack Rafah, the last safe place in Gaza for civilians. South Africa is right to call on the court to take urgent action.
Pro-Israel narrative
The South African argument being presented at the ICJ is not only factually inaccurate, but legally void. This whole request makes a mockery of the international court and the Genocide Convention. It is Hamas that continues to flagrantly disregard international law by failing to return the Israeli hostages.
