Israel is preparing for a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) set for Jan. 11–12 to address a complaint submitted by South Africa accusing it of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The ICJ, a UN organ based in The Hague, in the Netherlands, settles disputes between states and issues advisory opinions on international legal issues. Unlike the International Criminal Court, also in The Hague, it does not charge individuals with crimes.
Malcolm Shaw
In preparation for the hearing, Israel hired Sir Malcolm Shaw, a British lawyer, to defend it before the ICJ. Shaw is a leading expert on territorial disputes and a published author on the law of genocide. He taught international law at the Universities of Leicester and Essex and has advised governments and international organizations on human rights issues. Shaw has made previous appearances before the ICJ as well as the European Court of Human Rights and Britain's highest court.
