The Hague Court Grants Israel Another Extension in Genocide Case brought by South Africa

From [HERE] The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has granted Israel another extension to submit its evidence in response to South Africa's argument that it has committed genocide in Gaza. 

In an order dated 20 October and published on Thursday, the ICJ said it has accepted Israel's request to further extend its deadline by two months to 12 March 2026, after an earlier extension to 12 January. 

The ICJ's original deadlines for the two states to deliver their written arguments were 28 October 2024 for South Africa and 28 July 2025 for Israel to file its counter-arguments, known as “counter-memorials”. 

South Africa complied with its deadline, but Israel in April requested an extension of six months, which South Africa opposed.

The ICJ compromised, granting a five-and-a-half month extension to 12 January 2026.

Israel then sent a letter to the court on 14 October, asking for a second extension of at least five months.

Its representative explained that some evidentiary issues related to South Africa's submission remained "unresolved" due to "the status of a number of documents referred to via hyperlinks which had not been annexed to that pleading".

Israel added that another reason for its request relates to its devotion of "significant attention and resources" to engage with the court on the Advisory Opinion on Israel's humanitarian obligations, which the court delivered on Wedesday.

South Africa urged the court to reject Israel's request, since the latter had already been granted an extension on the same grounds raised in its latest letter.

"The extension requested would be irreconcilable with the urgency of the case and the principle of equality between the Parties," the ICJ cited South Africa as saying. [MORE]