Will South Africa succeed at the ICJ on it's charges of genocide against Israel?

The big news this week was the hearing at the International Court of Justice (IJC). South Africa, a state which itself has been a victim of apartheid, brought a case of genocide against Israel. On Thursday 11 January, South African lawyers delivered a compelling case to the court, detailing Israel's slaughter of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the bombing of hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, as well as the denial of food, water, electricity and medical supplies. Their arguments were delivered calmly and convincingly. 

There can be no doubt that the South African case is irrefutable. Not only is the damning evidence there for all to see, but Israeli politicians have gone on record openly calling Palestinians animals and supporting their elimination. They have condemned themselves through their own mouths. 

On the following day, Israeli lawyers delivered a predictable response - Hamas, Hamas, Hamas and accusing their detractors of lying and blood libel.

The media coverage was - no surprise - appalling. The South African case was ignored by the major channels (Sky, BBC, CNN etc) who then proceeded to broadcast the Israeli case the following day.

The result ought to be a forgone conclusion - Israel is guilty as charged, but unfortunately it's more complicated than that. The ICJ 'judges' are appointed by UN countries, the chair by the USA, and the UK, Germany, France and other Israeli allies. How will they rule in judgement? I think we know the answer already. As Craig Murray said, "Israel is not on trial here, what's on trial is actually the international court". 

If, as it seems likely, the court will rule against South Africa, where do we go from here? Well, we can keep up as much pressure as we can through the massive global demonstrations that have been taking place and increase the pressure for boycott, divestment and sanctions, which is already having an effect on Israel and the corporations, such as Starbucks, that support it.

I doubt that this will be the end of legal attempts to stop the Israeli genocide of the Palestinians, but we must hope that the IJC ruling will be in favour of South Africa and keep up the fight!