The government of Egypt has announced a plan to formally join a genocide lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its deadly offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday in a statement that the intention of the North African country to join the case is due to escalating Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians.
“The submission … comes in light of the worsening severity and scope of Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, and the continued perpetration of systematic practices against the Palestinian people, including direct targeting of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure in the Strip, and pushing Palestinians to flee,” the ministry said in a statement.
In January, South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinian authorities reported a death toll surpassing 35,000, with a majority being women and children.
The conflict escalated after Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,100 deaths, mostly civilians. The United Nations court issued an interim ruling finding a plausible risk of genocide and ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts.
South Africa sought emergency measures in March over Israel’s threat to attack Rafah. Egypt plans to join Turkey and Colombia in supporting the case against Israel, demanding compliance with humanitarian obligations.
The court’s ruling on the genocide case may take years, with enforcement challenges. Israel maintains it acts within international law, rejecting South Africa’s claims.
Recent clashes in Gaza led to civilian casualties and mass displacement, drawing international concern.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the offensive as necessary to combat Hamas, despite warnings of a humanitarian crisis. Over 110,000 Palestinians fled Rafah, highlighting the severity of the situation.
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