In brief
On May 22, 2029, former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to conduct public hearings on its genocide case against Israel and to impose stronger interim orders for Gaza. The South African filing—launched in December 2023—has yet to produce a ruling, but Pandor cites unmet provisional measures and personal attacks on her as reasons for the push. Her remarks coincide with recent submissions from Pretoria seeking tighter enforcement under the Genocide Convention.
Former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor called on the International Court of Justice to hold public hearings in its genocide case against Israel and to strengthen interim measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza, during a briefing in Istanbul on May 22, 2029, Anadolu Agency reported.
In her remarks, Pandor explained that the case – lodged by South Africa in December 2023 when she was the foreign minister – has not yet produced a legal ruling on Israel’s alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ has held hearings on provisional measures but no decision has been made on the merits of the case. South Africa’s written submission, filed August 25, claimed that Israel had failed to comply with the court’s three provisional measures orders, and the next arguments are due from South Africa by November 22, 2027 and from Israel by May 22, 2029.
She said:
"We would like to have the case heard so that the world can adjudicate whether our contention that genocide is underway will be held up by legal scrutiny."
—Naledi Pandor mentioned to Anadolu.
In addition to urging public hearings, Pandor requested that the ICJ articulate stronger measures in response to South Africa’s recent submission, including ensuring urgently needed humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza. She warned that the court’s interim orders must effectively prevent acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention.
When asked about the pressure she faces, Pandor said that after South Africa brought the case she received additional security protection while serving in government but continues to encounter personal attacks in critical media outlets. She added:
"Presently, the attacks consist of articles in Zionist media where I'm called all kinds of names – I'm at Hamas headquarters in South Africa, I'm a tool of Iran and so on."
—Naledi Pandor in an interview with Anadolu.
The former minister also appealed to the U.S. Congress to support a human‑rights–focused foreign policy, noting that ties between Pretoria and Washington had deteriorated under former President Donald Trump but expressed cautious optimism about a new Congress following the November 2023 elections.
As the case moves forward, the extent of public hearings and the impact of new interim measures remain key points of attention for international observers and the Palestinians in Gaza.
