Egypt Denies Israeli Claims of Backtracking on Support for ICJ Lawsuit

Egypt announced its intention to officially intervene in support of South Africa's lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which aims to address "Israel's violations of its obligations under the Genocide Convention, and hold it accountable in Gaza." In response, Israeli reports claimed that Egypt would backtrack on its decision to join South Africa in front of the ICJ, sparking criticism from Israeli media outlets.

However, Egyptian sources refuted these claims, stating that there was no truth to the reports of Egypt withdrawing from joining South Africa's lawsuit against Israel before the ICJ. Egypt remains determined to take necessary actions to condemn Israeli practices before the ICJ.

In the context of ongoing military operations in the vicinity of the Rafah crossing, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, stressed the importance of Israel's compliance with its obligations as the occupying power. Shoukry emphasized the need for Israel to open all land crossings between Israel and Gaza, ensure safe access for humanitarian aid, and protect humanitarian workers. These statements came during a phone call between Shoukry and Sigrid Kaag, the UN's chief coordinator for humanitarian affairs and reconstruction in Gaza.

The ICJ received South Africa's genocide lawsuit against Israel on December 29th, 2023. Subsequently, the ICJ has enacted six urgent measures to halt potential acts of genocide targeting Palestinians. These measures encompass deterring any instigation for genocide, delivering prompt humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and mandating Israel to publish a report outlining its adherence to the court's prescribed preventive actions, a report that is still outstanding.