The International Court of Justice in The Hague opened on Thursday for two days of preliminary hearings on a genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel last month over its offensive in the Gaza Strip. The move has brought gratification to the Middle East — outside Israel — bringing a sense of accountability for what's happening in Gaza, if only symbolic.
Background of the case
Israel has waged a devastating air and ground campaign on Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ cross-border assault Oct. 7, during which around 1,200 people were killed and about 240 others taken hostage by Hamas militants.
Since then, more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 85% of the population has been displaced as the humanitarian situation becomes catastrophic, according to the United Nations. Israel has blocked the entry of fuel, water, food and medicine to the enclave, while humanitarian aid is hindered by the relentless Israeli bombardment.
