A group of about 40 lawyers from South Africa led by Gqeberha-based law firm, Wikus Van Rensburg Attorneys, has submitted a notice of intention to file a civil matter against the United States (US) government for its role in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The lawyers are accusing the US government of being liable and complicit in its support of Israel.
Lawyer, Wikus van Rensburg, says they will use the outcome of the case filed by South Africa against Israel that was heard in the International Court of Justice in The Hague this week, as their basis for their civil claim.
“The action that’s currently happening at the ICJ is a precursor to some extent. If the courts find that Israel has contravened international laws, that will almost create a basis for us to pursue a civil matter in America. We have given notice of intention to both the United Kingdom and the United States of America that we intend to pursue civil action against the governance for the complicit conduct.”
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Meanwhile International relations expert Professor Anthoni Van Nieuwkerk says that South Africa taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a very significant diplomatic stance for a developing country, against a powerful middle eastern country.
This is as the world awaits a decision by the court, on whether Israel has indeed committed acts of genocide in Gaza, during a three-month-long bloody renewed conflict that has seen more than 20 000 people killed, and scores displaced.
Van Nieuwkerk called South Africa’s move daring.
Dirco Deputy Minister Alvin Botes weighs in on SA’s ICJ case against Israel:
