The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.
The ICJ has determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and has indicated provisional measures on that basis.
The department says the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will now be formally notified of the court’s order.
Dirco’s head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela says South Africa hopes that Israel will not act to frustrate the application of this order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do.
“South Africa will continue to act within the institutions of global governance to protect the rights, including the fundamental right to life of Palestinians in Gaza – which continue to remain at urgent risk including from Israeli military assault, starvation and disease. And to obtain the fair and equal application of international law to all, in the interest of our collective humanity,” explains Monyela.
World expectations on the implementation of ICJ order:
Meanwhile, University of Johannesburg’s Chair of African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Dr Chris Landsberg says he is deeply disappointed by the way the world court judges evaded the question of a ceasefire.
The court ordered Israel to prevent as many killings of civilians in Gaza and to allow for humanitarian aid.
Landsberg says Israel has clearly made up its mind that it wants a war and no one can stop it.
“The greatest breakthrough is to expect a radical change in Israeli behavior when it comes to humanitarian aid, the destruction of society, property and the like. But in a nutshell, Israel is allowed to continue to go after Hamas but they shouldn’t kill human beings, I just can’t see that happening,” adds Landsberg.
Below is the full interview
