The South African government has taken note of Israel's filing of its response to its written submissions in the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Presidency said that Israel filed its response on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the case brought by South Africa against Israel under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The case, formally titled Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v Israel), concerns allegations of genocidal acts committed during Israel's military operations in Gaza.
According to the Presidency, the court had initially ordered Israel to file its response by 28 July 2025 after South Africa submitted its memorial by 28 October 2024.
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However, Israel requested an extension of the court-imposed deadline on two occasions, which the ICJ later granted.
The government said it would now study Israel's response before deciding on next steps in the proceedings.
“South Africa will now consider Israel's response and decide whether to request the Court's permission to make further written submissions in response or proceed directly to the oral stage of the proceedings,” the statement said.
The situation in Gaza remains serious
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face continued bombardment and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, the Presidency said.
It said this was despite the so-called ceasefire declared on October 10, 2025, and three binding orders issued by the ICJ in the case.
According to the statement, the court ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts falling under the Genocide Convention and to ensure the uninterrupted provision of humanitarian assistance and basic services to civilians in Gaza.
The Presidency also cited concerns raised by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who warned this week that the humanitarian situation in Gaza “remains critical” due to continued attacks, shelling and limited access to food and other essential services.
The Government further noted that the situation has been complicated by rising tensions in the Gulf and Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which it said risk escalating the conflict with serious implications for regional and international peace and security.
President Ramaphosa calls for protection of international law
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the crisis in Gaza highlighted the need for a renewed commitment to international law and the multilateral system.
“At a time of growing global division and the systematic weakening of the multilateral system, the crisis in Gaza presents an opportunity to unite humanity and remind us all of our shared values,” the President said.
He again emphasized the important role played by safeguarding the principles of international law and by international dispute settlement mechanisms such as the United Nations and the ICJ.
The President said, “South Africa is committed to playing its part with others to free humanity from the “abominable scourge” of genocide described in the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention and to fulfill the promises of the Genocide Convention and the United Nations Charter to “save future generations from the scourge of war” in accordance with the universal pledge in the United Nations Charter Preamble.” -SAnews.gov.za