Egypt backs South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel at ICJ
Egypt has declared its backing for South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel for alleged genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement in a statement on Sunday over Israeli actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now entering its eighth month.
The statement cited the assaults on Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has risen above 35,000.
Egypt condemned these actions as violations of the provisions of international law, and humanitarian principles outlined in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 .
Egypt’s support for the lawsuit stems from what it terms as “systemic practices” employed by Israel against Palestinians, which includes direct targeting of civilians, infrastructure destruction, and forced displacements.
In response to Israel’s actions, Egypt announced its refusal to cooperate with Israeli authorities regarding aid entry through Rafah stating that it was an “unacceptable escalation.”
Egypt therefore called on Israel to adhere to its obligations as an occupying power and urged compliance with provisional measures mandated by the ICJ to ensure humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed appreciation to Egypt for supporting the South Africa’s ICJ case. Other nations including Turkey, Ireland, Libya, and Colombia have also announced their support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel.
