A conflict has been ongoing between Israel and Hamas for the past few months. Palestinian officials have requested to join South Africa's lawsuit against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza at the UN's top court. The officials claim that Israel's military actions are aimed at wiping out Palestinian society, culture, and social institutions.
The State of Palestine has formally submitted this request to the International Court of Justice, with Palestinian Authority Foreign Ministry official Ammar Hijazi signing it. South Africa initiated the case in the ICJ, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza through military operations. Israel has denied these allegations, stating that its military actions are in response to the war that began after Hamas's attacks on October 7.
Israel is intensifying its attacks in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza that was previously a major hub for humanitarian aid efforts during the conflict. Israeli forces' actions have disrupted the supply of essential resources like food and medicine to Palestinians in need.
Gaza's Health Ministry reports that over 36,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli bombings and ground assaults in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, approximately 1,400 Israeli civilians were killed in the October 7 attacks, with hundreds being held captive by Hamas. The ICJ has instructed Israel to take measures to prevent further casualties, enhance humanitarian assistance, and cease its military campaign in Rafah.