A bipartisan group of United States (US) lawmakers has written a letter to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to continue denouncing South Africa’s genocide allegations against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
The group of 210 members of the House of Representatives made up of 146 Republicans and 64 Democrats urged Antony Blinken to vigorously denounce what they refer to as South Africa’s deeply hostile stance towards Israel and to thoroughly reject its charge of genocide.
The letter urges the American government to encourage its allies to join in speaking out against what it calls “an unfounded attack on Israel”, particularly at forums like United Nations (UN) and other intergovernmental organisations.
The lawmaker’s letter says South Africa has filed a grossly unfounded case against Israel, writing to Washington’s top diplomat to express their collective disgust at the filing, which they believe perpetrates false and dangerous allegations against Israel.
The group says it strongly supported the stated White House position that the application was meritless, counterproductive and completely without any basis whatsoever.
The letter adds that South Africa’s accusation of genocide exposes how far Israel’s enemies would go in their attempts to demonise the Jewish state while barely acknowledging the Hamas massacre on October 7.
A number of countries have come out in support of South Africa’s case with their foreign ministers articulating their positions during a meeting of the Security Council on Gaza this past Tuesday.
South Africa’s initiative
Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf says, “I’d also like to refer to South Africa’s initiative, in particular ICC. South Africa has petitioned the International Court of Justice in response to the genocidal war that is underway in Gaza. There’s also another initiative, Chile’s initiative, Mexico’s initiative.”
“They have filed a complaint with the ICC, the International Criminal Court, given the very serious crimes being committed by Israel in Gaza. All of these initiatives deserve recognition and support because they represent a step in the right direction. We call on these various bodies, these international judicial bodies, to uphold their responsibilities and to implement their mandate,” Attaf adds.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says, “There is a big discussion globally, internationally about what is actually happening in Gaza and I said when I heard about this that I was glad that Israel decided to turn up and defend themselves.”
“We now actually have a conversation at the highest body of international law at the International Court ICJ in The Hague. And of course, their decision matters. These are questions that are best dealt with by a court. Now it is in the court and we follow that with great interest. And of course, as you know, I’m sure you know, and the court might decide to take some intermediate steps if it sees that there is a merit. But I am not going to pronounce myself on what I think the court should decide, because that is a question for the court.”
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says, “The situation in Gaza and the West Bank clearly demonstrates who needs security and the right to self-defense most. Israel commits serious war crimes. Those responsible must be held accountable to restore faith in international law and the rules-based order.”
“We are seriously concerned with the reports that Israel’s war crimes in Gaza may amount to genocide. We welcome the application before the International Court of Justice concerning two violations by Israel of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It is a timely attempt to protect the Palestinian people against further harm,” Fidan adds.
Facilities
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahiyan says, “I should also underscore the urgent need to provide the necessary facilities for the return of the people of Gaza to their own areas and the settlement of displaced and homeless people and the help of the international community for the reconstruction of infrastructure. We support the recent action of South Africa to bring this case to the International Court of Justice.”
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan says, “Malaysia demands accountability for Israel’s clear violation of international law. We welcome and support the decision by South Africa to institute proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice. The lack of accountability for Israel’s war crimes undermines the legitimacy of international law and efforts throughout ending the illegal occupation of Palestine in upholding the international law.”
Kuwait Deputy Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah says, “Accountability for crimes against humanity which were committed and continue to be committed against the defenceless Palestinian people must be ensured. In this context, my country welcomes the step taken by the Republic of South Africa, which filed a case before the International Court of Justice against the Israeli occupation for committing the crime of genocide against the brotherly Palestinian people.”
VIDEO: ICJ to deliver judgment in SA-Israel case on Friday:
