International Court of Justice started hearing of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in Hague today.

A seventeen-member bench with ICJ president Joan Donoghue hearing the case. 

South African Advocate told the court that Israel’s genocide intent against the Palestinians in Gaza is evident from the way in which Israel’s military attack is being conducted.

He demanded an emergency suspension of Israel's aerial and ground offensive in the Palestinian enclave.

The court will meet tomorrow to hear Israel’s arguments.

South Africa filed the lawsuit in December, in a move welcomed by several countries amid a global chorus for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrators held protest outside the court and called for an end to Israel’s atrocities in Gaza that have killed more than 23,000 Palestinians.