ICJ Genocide Case: In the ongoing legal proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israels representatives mounted a defense against South Africas genocide allegations. The case, filed by South Africa, accuses Israel of violating the UNs 1948 Genocide Convention in the wake of its actions during the ongoing assault on Gaza.Holocaust invocationTal Becker, part of Israels legal team, began by invoking the Holocaust in his opening statements. He underscored the historical context, referencing the systematic murder of 6 million Jews as a backdrop to Israels defense.Self-defence argumentBecker argued that Israels actions in Gaza were a response to self-defense against Hamass attacks on October 7. He contended that South Africa had presented a distorted picture of Israels actions, overlooking the context of Hamass actions and the threat it posed. The emphasis was on Israels obligation to protect its citizens.MULTIMEDIA: photos and videos of todays hearing in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (#SouthAfrica v. #Israel) held before the #ICJ are available here: https://t.co/lxMKBi5rqQ pic.twitter.com/EBN9H4sOYc— CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) January 12, 2024Death toll discrepancyDespite Israels claims of acting in self-defense, the United Nations reported a stark difference in death tolls between Gaza and Israel. The figures reveal approximately 23,074 reported deaths in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and January 7, 2024, compared to 1,139 deaths in Israel during the same period.Internal resolution of breachesMalcolm Shaw, a British barrister on Israels legal team, asserted that while Hamass attack didnt grant Israel the right to breach international law, the country was within its rights to defend itself under humanitarian law. Shaw stressed that any breaches of conflict rules would be addressed within Israels robust legal framework.MULTIMÉDIA: des photos et des vidéos de laudience de ce jour en laffaire de lApplication de la convention pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide dans la bande de Gaza (#AfriqueduSud c. #Israël) devant la #CIJ sont disponibles ici: https://t.co/lxMKBi5rqQ pic.twitter.com/y9emSbbSOe— CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) January 12, 2024Alleged relations with HamasBecker claimed that South Africas close relations with Hamas, designated as a terrorist organisation in several countries, influenced its perspective. The assertion was made that the petitioner country approached the matter with pre-existing contentions, characterising it as a “unispute” rather than a genuine dispute.Hamas blamed for civilian deathsGalit Raguan, representing the Justice Ministry, held Hamas responsible for the high civilian death toll in Gaza. Raguan argued that Hamas strategically embedded itself in the civilian population, turning infrastructure like schools and hospitals into a terrorist stronghold. The assertion was that civilian casualties were unintended but lawful consequences of attacks on the military.WATCH LIVE: Israel presents its oral argument on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case #SouthAfrica v. #Israel before the #ICJ https://t.co/q8SFZM2qyd— CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) January 12, 2024Claims of humanitarian aidContrary to popular claims, Omri Sender argued that Israel provided humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, including water, food trucks, fuel, and gas. Sender contended that Israel met the legal test in ensuring the rights of civilians werent compromised, emphasising the allowance for the injured or sick to cross into Egypt.Opposition to provisional measuresChristopher Staker argued against imposing provisional measures, stating that Israels actions were purely in self-defense. Staker expressed concerns that such measures would hamper Israels ability to address security threats and rescue captives from Gaza.As the legal battle unfolds, each side presents its case, with Israel staunchly defending its actions amidst South Africas accusations of genocide.Delbarations by the ICJ bench beginsThe ICJ heard the arguement from both sides including Israel and South Africa in the Gaza gineocide case. It will now move on to deliberations and is due to announce the date of the final verdict.PRESS RELEASE: the public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case #SouthAfrica v. #Israel concluded today before the #ICJ. The Court will now begin its deliberation https://t.co/V1nDgZABx4 pic.twitter.com/cntr81XrdU— CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) January 12, 2024