The South African government has noted the filing of Israel’s response to South Africa’s written pleadings in the case titled Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The State of Israel submitted its response to the Court on Thursday.
The ICJ had initially ordered Israel to file its response by 28 July 2025 to South Africa’s Memorial, which was submitted on 28 october 2024. However, Israel requested extensions to the Court’s deadlines on two occasions, which were granted.
South Africa will now study Israel’s response before deciding whether to request the Court’s permission to submit additional written arguments or proceed directly to the oral phase of the proceedings.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the situation in Gaza remains deeply concerning despite developments in the legal process.
“In the intervening period Palestinians in Gaza continue to face ongoing bombardment from Israeli strikes, with loss of life, damage to critical infrastructure and precarious living conditions for people in Gaza,” said Magwenya.
“This is despite the purported ceasefire of 10 october 2025 and three binding ICJ orders secured by South Africa – the first of which came over two years ago – compelling Israel, amongst other things, to prevent the commission of genocidal acts and ensure the unhindered provision of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.”
Magwenya added that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe due to continued strikes, shelling and limited access to food and basic services.
“The situation in Gaza has been compounded by the escalating crisis in the Gulf and the ongoing attacks by Israel on Lebanon. These developments risk widening the conflict with grave implications for regional and international peace and security,” Magwenya said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also commented on the broader implications of the case.
“At a time of growing global division and the systematic undermining of the multilateral system, the crisis in Gaza represents an opportunity to unite humanity and remind us of our shared values,” Ramaphosa said.
“We must answer the call to defend the principles of international law and reassert the vital role played by the United Nations and international dispute settlement mechanisms like the ICJ.”
Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to fulfilling the principles of the 1948 Genocide Convention and the United Nations Charter in its pursuit of accountability and international justice.