South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that his country’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will continue, despite the newly announced ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking before parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said that the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people remains central to South Africa’s foreign policy and moral responsibility.
“The peace agreement reached is welcome, but it does not change the fact that the case before the ICJ must be heard. Israel is expected to respond to our submissions by January next year,” Ramaphosa declared.
South Africa first brought the case before the ICJ in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts during its ongoing assault on Gaza. The case has since become one of the most significant legal challenges ever filed against Israel by an African nation.
According to the timeline set by the court, Israel must submit its formal defense by January 12, 2026, with oral hearings expected to begin in 2027. South Africa submitted its detailed 500-page argument in late 2024, providing evidence of mass civilian casualties and deliberate deprivation of humanitarian aid.
The ICJ has already issued three provisional measures directing Israel to prevent genocidal actions and allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza. However, aid organizations and UN observers report that Israel has largely failed to comply.
Palestinian health authorities estimate that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the world cannot speak of peace without accountability.
“True peace and reconciliation can only be achieved when justice is served. Healing requires that the voices of victims be heard in The Hague,” he said.
Several countries — including Spain, Ireland, Türkiye, and Colombia — have joined South Africa’s legal initiative, while international rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to accuse Israel of acts amounting to genocide.
The case has also gained support from The Hague Group, a coalition co-chaired by South Africa since January 2025, focused on holding Israel accountable through legal and diplomatic channels.
Analysts say South Africa’s leadership has helped shape a new era of African legal diplomacy, echoing the continent’s historical role in global justice and anti-apartheid advocacy.