Tue Oct 14 22:57:06 UTC 2025: **South Africa to Continue Genocide Case Against Israel Despite Gaza Ceasefire**

**Cape Town, South Africa** – President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed that South Africa will proceed with its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), despite the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Ramaphosa emphasized that the pursuit of justice is essential for healing and lasting peace.

“The peace deal that has been struck, which we welcome, will have no bearing on the case that is before the International Court of Justice,” Ramaphosa stated. He noted that Israel is expected to respond to South Africa’s detailed submission, a 500-page document accusing Israel of genocidal acts in Gaza, by January 2026. Oral hearings are anticipated in 2027, with a final judgment expected in late 2027 or early 2028.

South Africa filed the case in December 2023, alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Since then, the ICJ has issued three provisional measures, urging Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

Ramaphosa stressed that the case must be heard for genuine healing to occur. “We cannot go forward without the healing that needs to take place, which will also result from the case that has been launched being properly heard,” he said.

The announcement has been met with support from figures such as Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, who emphasized that “Peace without justice…is not sustainable.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed these sentiments, stating that the ceasefire should not grant Israel impunity and that those responsible for the alleged genocide must be held accountable.

Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Turkey, and Colombia, have joined or intend to support South Africa’s ICJ case. A UN commission of inquiry found in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide.
Israel has vehemently denied the allegations of genocide.

South Africa co-chairs The Hague Group, a coalition formed in January 2025, focused on holding Israel accountable through legal, diplomatic and economic measures beyond the ICJ proceedings.

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