Iran has formed a commission and is preparing documents to participate as a third party in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the Iranian Vice-President for Legal Affairs, Mohammad Dehghan, told reporters before a cabinet meeting.
“As soon as South Africa filed a complaint, we formed a commission [...] and will soon file a complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice as a third party. This claim was brought by South Africa under the 1948 Convention for the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide, and Iran, taking into account Article 9 of the Convention, did not file a complaint on his own, since this would mean recognition of Israel as a state,” he was quoted as saying by a local news agency.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague held hearings on the case on January 11 and 12. In its testimony, South Africa urged the court to oblige Israel to end its military operation in Gaza, to ensure that its residents have access to food, water and humanitarian aid, and to not impede the access of international missions to the strip.
South Africa also asked the court to oblige Israel to refrain from any action that could worsen the situation and complicate the trial.
During its speech, Israel tried to provide evidence why the court should reject South Africa's request for measures against the Israeli side, including ending the military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that South Africa’s request has no factual basis and is exploiting the court, and that Pretoria is collaborating with “terrorists.”
This week, Palestinian Minister of Justice Mohammad Al-Shalaldeh told Sputnik that South Africa had a "very strong" case against Israel for its conduct in the Gaza Strip. According to the minister, the allegations made by South Africa are supported by "good and convincing evidence" and are based on international law.