The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has established deadlines for South Africa to respond to Israel's written submissions in the genocide case concerning the Gaza Strip. South Africa must file its reply by November 22, 2027, with Israel then having until May 22, 2029, to submit a Rejoinder. This procedural step follows a meeting in The Hague to discuss case progression. South Africa's response will address Israel's objections to the ICJ's jurisdiction, raised in Israel's March 2026 Counter-Memorial. South Africa maintains that even if Israel's actions are considered self-defense under international law, self-defense is not a valid defense against accusations of genocide. Israel remains obligated by previous ICJ provisional measures aimed at protecting Palestinians in Gaza from irreparable prejudice.