"ICJ Decision Looms: South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel"

South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The hearings will begin on January 11, 2024, with South Africa seeking an emergency order for the Israeli military to leave Gaza and to stop bombing civilians. The ICJ will determine if it has jurisdiction in the case, and if the majority finds Israel in violation of international law, Tel Aviv would be obliged to comply, although the court has no real enforcement power. The case could put international pressure on Israel to stop the war, but the US, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, could potentially shield Israel from punishment.