In the ongoing trial at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Israeli government is poised to showcase a compelling array of video testimonials detailing the heinous acts of torture and brutal carnage orchestrated by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023.
These impactful videos, sourced directly from the body cams of the deceased Hamas terrorists, vividly capture the militants engaging in acts of torture, brutality, and mass killings against innocent civilians in southern Israel, following the unprecedented assault launched by Hamas.
Previously presented before an international audience, including media outlets, state leaders, diplomats, human rights organizations, and members of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), these raw footages now take center stage in the ICJ hearings.
The legal proceedings revolve around a case initiated by South Africa on December 29, 2023, accusing Israel of committing "genocidal acts" in Gaza during the intense conflict with Hamas. In a statement, South Africa's presidency emphasized its obligation "to prevent genocide from occurring."
Scheduled for Thursday, South Africa is set to present its oral arguments, with Israel responding the following day. Reacting to South Africa's application, Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat, denounced it as a "despicable and contemptuous exploitation of the Court," accusing South Africa of cooperating with a terrorist organization advocating for Israel's destruction.
National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi affirmed Israel's participation in the hearings, stating that the nation has been a signatory to the genocide convention for decades and will not boycott the proceedings, intending to counter what he deemed an "absurd blood plot" against Israel.
The United States has also discredited the case, labeling it as meritless, counterproductive, and devoid of any factual basis. In a strategic move, Israel has appointed retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Aharon Barak, as its representative on the 15-judge ICJ panel overseeing the case.
Notably, South Africa has been openly critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza, leading to the recall of all its diplomats from Israel in November 2023, prompting Israel to reciprocate by recalling its Ambassador from Pretoria.
(With Agency Inputs)
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