'Disappointing': ICJ grants Israel another extension in South Africa genocide case

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.

Read more: 'Disappointing': ICJ grants Israel another extension in South Africa genocide case