South Africa is seeking an interim ruling to immediately halt Israel’s military operations

The ICJ began hearings with South Africa presenting its case, followed by Israel's delegation, which includes British legal expert Malcolm Shaw.

South Africa's argument revolves around Israeli actions exceeding self-defense and exhibiting signs of genocide, including civilian fatalities, forced displacement, cessation of food supplies, and limitation of birth rates due to the siege of hospitals.

South Africa is seeking an interim ruling from the ICJ to immediately halt Israel's military operations in Gaza.

There is widespread international coverage and anticipated legal and reputational consequences for Israel depending on the ICJ's ruling.

Israel denies the genocide allegations and claims its military operation is a form of self-defense against Hamas.

Various countries and organizations have expressed support for South Africa's action, while others, like the United States and the United Kingdom, reject the allegations against Israel.

The court case coincides with South Africa's upcoming general elections, amid suggestions that the ANC government is utilizing the ICJ lawsuit to distract from domestic issues and bolster its position.

Israel asserts it has taken measures to prevent civilian casualties and has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

Protests and demonstrations by Israelis and Palestinians have taken place in The Hague during the hearings.

Algemeiner reports that South Africa's Jewish community criticized their government for "double-speak and double-standards" on the ICJ case, highlighting the government's hospitality towards leaders accused of crimes against humanity (Algemeiner).