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.

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Hichilema shared that Trump Jr. had been enjoying Zambia’s natural beauty during his visit. He added that he passed along warm greetings to the US president and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the United States.

The timing of the encounter has drawn attention. The G20 summit in Johannesburg — the first to be hosted on African soil — begins in a few days, and Washington’s decision to skip the event has been described by analysts as a diplomatic setback for South Africa. Officials in Pretoria have insisted that the summit will continue as planned, with full participation from the rest of the member states.

Hichilema, who has maintained a balanced approach to both regional and Western partners, appears to have used the meeting with Trump Jr. as an opportunity to emphasize Zambia’s openness to international engagement. As South Africa navigates the politics surrounding its G20 presidency, Zambia has quietly presented itself as a stable and welcoming partner for tourism, investment, and diplomatic ties.

Political observers say that Trump Jr.’s vacation — and Hichilema’s public acknowledgment of it — could serve as a subtle form of soft diplomacy, highlighting Zambia’s confidence and growing visibility in the region.

The upcoming G20 discussions are expected to focus on major global issues such as energy transition, trade reforms, and debt relief for developing economies. Whether the absence of the United States will influence the outcome of the summit remains uncertain.

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