South Africa considers Israel's response to the Gaza case at the ICJ

The South African presidency says it has received and taken note of Israel's response in the genocide case related to the conflict in Gaza before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a press release issued by the Presidency of South Africa, officials confirmed that Israel filed its response on March 12, 2026. The filing responds to South Africa's written pleadings submitted in October 2024 under the case titled "Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)."

Originally, the ICJ had ordered Israel to submit its response by July 28, 2025. However, Israel requested extensions twice, both of which were granted by the court.

South Africa says it will now study the response before deciding its next legal step. The government may either request permission from the court to submit further written arguments or move directly to the oral hearings phase of the case.

The statement further notes that the violence by Israel persisted despite a ceasefire announced on October 10, 2025, and three binding orders issued by the ICJ after South Africa filed the case. The orders instructed Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza.

"Just this week, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, warned that the 'situation remains dire' as a result of strikes and shelling, as well as lack of access to food, humanitarian assistance and other basic services," the statement reads in part.

South Africa also said the crisis has been worsened by rising tensions in the Gulf region and ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, developments it says could expand the conflict and threaten regional and international security.

Following these recent developments, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed global commitment to international law and multilateral institutions.

"At a time of growing global division and the weakening of the multilateral system, especially the United Nations, the crisis in Gaza should unite humanity around shared values," Ramaphosa said through the statement.