South Africa slams Israel, reiterating obligations under ICJ ruling

South Africa has criticised Israel's continuing attacks on the Gaza Strip and reiterated the country's obligations to prevent acts of genocide under the provisional orders issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

"South Africa is gravely concerned by the military onslaught, and the fact that millions of people in Gaza are facing severe food and water shortages as Israel continues to block aid and cut off energy supplies to the strip," said the foreign ministry in a statement.

"Israel, which has enforced a total blockade of Gaza, has now issued new forced displacement orders for several areas."

South Africa said that under a provisional ICJ ruling issued last year following an application by the country, Israel was required "to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, and to preserve evidence related to alleged genocide".