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00:56

It's an unprecedented case which could have an impact on the ongoing Gaza war.

South Africa presented its genocide case against Israel before the United Nation's International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday, asking for a suspension of Israel's warfare in the Gaza Strip. Pulling no punches, Pretoria used the words 'genocide' and 'apartheid' in its presentation.

South Africa's Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola, lawyer Adela Hassim and the delegation stand as judges at the ICJ. /Thilo Schmuelgen/Reuters

"For the past 96 days, Israel has subjected Gaza to what has been described as one of the heaviest conventional bombing campaigns in the history of modern warfare," South African lawyer Adila Hassim said before the court.

Although it might take years for the ICJ to determine a final ruling, it is possible that the court will decide in favor of a provisional ceasefire within just weeks. That could, however, have no effect - as the court's rulings are not legally enforceable.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gather near the ICJ. /Thilo Schmuelgen/Reuters

During the hearing, hundreds of protesters - with different groups supporting each side - gathered outside the ICJ's Peace Palace in The Hague.

"I'm not against Israel but what it is doing in Gaza is the worst we've seen so far," a Jewish protester told CGTN in front of the ICJ building.

According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces killed more than 23 thousand people in Gaza. Israel on the other side says Hamas are terrorists who murdered over a thousand Israelis on October 7.

On Friday, it's Israel's turn to speak before the court where it will reportedly point to its right of self-defense provoked by the Hamas attack. The Israeli government said the South African allegations are unfounded.