Famous actors support lawsuit against Israel for 'genocide'

The actors, including Susan Sarandon, Cynthia Nixon, Charles Dance, Carice van Houten, and Lena Headey, shared a video reading parts of the 84-page indictment file from the lawsuit filed by the Republic of South Africa.

The video, published by the Palestine Literature Festival, features these actors reading sections of the file, which accuses Israel of violating the "Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide" in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Game of Thrones stars and other actors read South Africa's case file charging Israel with genocide at the #ICJ pic.twitter.com/iRkHvoFVb3

— In Context (@incontextmedia) January 14, 2024

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, South Africa's lawsuit claims that Israeli leaders and lawmakers, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who publicly stated in October that the region should be completely besieged because Israel is fighting "human animals," have declared their 'genocidal intentions.' South Africa is requesting the court to issue a ceasefire order in Gaza to prevent "irreparable harm."

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

The Republic of South Africa filed a lawsuit on December 29, 2023, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a provisional measure against Israel for its attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, alleging violation of the Genocide Convention. South Africa has requested the ICJ to issue nine provisional measures.

These measures include demanding Israel to immediately stop its military operations, take all reasonable steps to prevent genocide against Palestinians, allow displaced persons to return home and access humanitarian aid including food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter, and clothing, take necessary steps to punish those involved in genocide and preserve evidence of genocide.

Given the urgency, South Africa has asked the ICJ to issue a provisional measure decision. While there is no set deadline for the judges to announce their decision, it is noted that in previous cases involving urgent issues like genocide, the ICJ's decision-making process typically spans a few weeks.