Hague, Netherlands - May 16, 2024

Storyline:
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened its two-day hearings on Thursday regarding South Africa's request to halt Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

South Africa's Ambassador to the Netherlands Vusimuzi Madonsela said at the hearing that the recent Israeli ground military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is a serious violation of The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the ICJ should take immediate emergency measures to stop Israel's brutal operation in Gaza.

South Africa requested to add the withdrawal of Israeli military from Rafah into the additional provisional measures, said Madonsela, adding that "South Africa found itself compelled to return to this Court" to "request the indication of additional provisional measures to prevent Israel's persistent acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza".

In his final submissions, Madonsela requested the Court to order Israel to "cease its military operations in the Gaza Strip, including Rafah", "immediately, totally and unconditionally withdraw the Israeli army from the entirety of the Gaza Strip", and "take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of UN and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza".

As the hearing went on, civilian groups held gatherings outside the Court, urging Israel to immediately stop its military operation in Gaza.

Israel's argument will be presented to the ICJ on Friday, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks.

Thursday's hearing marked the third session of the International Court of Justice on the Israeli "genocide case" at the request of South Africa. So far, many countries have joined South Africa in the accusation against Israel. Libya, Nicaragua and Colombia have filed formal application and Egypt recently said it will join the case.

Shotlist:
Hague, Netherlands - May 16, 2024:
1. Various of Vredespaleis, UN flag;
2. Various of residents laying flowers on grassland, flowers;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Wartege Assad, president, Palestinian Community in Netherlands (partially overlaid with shot 4):
"To stop now immediately, not tomorrow, enough is enough. How many people must be dead to stop this occupy, this war against the civilian people. What happens now in Gaza [is] not against Hamas, [it is] against the Palestinian people."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
4. Various of Wartege Assad talking with reporters;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
5. Various of Vredespaleis, visitors;
Gaza City, Gaza Strip - May 13, 2024:
6. Various of smoke rising, pedestrians;
7. Ambulance running;
8. Various of people crying;
9. Man carrying injured boy;
Gaza Strip - May 14, 2024:
10. Various of children getting food, waiting in line;
11. Tents.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]