The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued an order stating that Israel must take measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in its war in Gaza.
South Africa, which brought the case to the ICJ, welcomed this decision as a victory for the international rule of law and a significant step towards justice for the Palestinian people.
The South African government accused Israel of state-led genocide in its offensive, which began after Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 240 individuals.
Israel had sought to have the case dismissed, but the court determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza were plausibly genocidal and outlined provisional measures that Israel must take based on this finding.
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation expressed gratitude to the court for its swift ruling and stated that the decision is momentous for the implementation of international rule of law.
South Africa emphasized the importance of notifying the UN Security Council about the court’s order, highlighting that individual states’ veto power should not impede international justice, especially considering the deteriorating situation in Gaza caused by Israel’s actions.
The department emphasized that the provisional measures are binding on Israel, requiring it to cease all acts that are plausibly genocidal.
South Africa hopes that Israel will comply fully with the order and not frustrate its application, as it has previously threatened to do. The department also noted that Israel’s claim of full compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention, lacks credibility.
In conclusion, South Africa’s efforts in bringing this case to the ICJ and the subsequent order represent a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people. The international community will now closely monitor Israel’s response and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
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