Overview
- Israel submitted its long-delayed written response on 12 March 2026 after two extensions to the original 28 July 2025 deadline.
- Pretoria says it will decide whether to request leave for further written replies or proceed to oral hearings before the International Court of Justice.
- The United States filed an Article 63 declaration defending Israel, calling the genocide allegation false and arguing the case lacks evidence of the specific intent required under the Genocide Convention.
- Israel’s submission disputes the ICJ’s jurisdiction and urges dismissal of South Africa’s claims, framing its Gaza operations as defense against attacks launched from civilian areas.
- Iceland and the Netherlands joined a growing list of intervening states, bringing participants to about 22, as ICJ provisional measures remain in force during a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.