South Africa Takes Israel to ICJ Over Gaza War, Exposing Global Divide

Case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza war reveals deepening geopolitical rift, with Western allies supporting Israel and Global South nations backing South Africa.

South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in its war with Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israel strongly denies.
The case has highlighted a deepening global divide, with Western allies such as the US and UK standing by Israel, while many nations in the Global South, including several Latin American, Asian, and African countries, back South Africa's case.
Israel launched its war against Hamas after the group's attack on the country left roughly 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage. The subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza has so far killed more than 24,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
South Africa's move to initiate legal proceedings against Israel at the ICJ marks a departure from usual diplomatic channels, reflecting a growing assertiveness among Global South nations.
The case has become a focal point for questioning the moral authority of the West and its unwillingness to hold Israel to account.