South Africa accuses Israel of “genocidal intent” in Gaza at ICJ

It’s been a heavy day that will certainly go down in the history books.

South Africa has made its case to the top United Nations court, accusing Israel of carrying out a genocide and pleading for the ICJ to order a halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Israel has firmly rejected South Africa’s claims, with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “false accusation.”

In a sign of how seriously they regard the case, Israeli leaders will take the rare step of engaging with the court to defend themselves tomorrow.

For more on why this case is being so widely watched and discussed, we’re joined by Atalia Omer – professor with the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, as well as Sean Foley – professor of Middle East and Islamic history at Middle Tennessee State University.