South Africa says existence of Palestinian people in Gaza is threatened unless court intervenes
South Africa’s justice minister said the case it has taken to the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza affords the court the opportunity to “act in real time” to prevent what he described as genocide “continuing in Gaza.”
Addressing journalists outside the steps of the Peace Palace in The Hague after South Africa concluded its oral arguments at the hearing on Thursday, Ronald Lamola said he hoped the case would be “impactful” to the people of Gaza.
“This case presents the court with an opportunity to act in real time to prevent genocide from continuing in Gaza by issuing an urgent injunction,” Lamola said.
“We believe that without the intervention of this court, the international community, we will see the total destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he added.
Lamola expressed his hope that the case will deter Israeli soldiers in Gaza from continuing their actions, saying they may realize that they may be called individually before the court one day.
The justice minister told journalists that South Africa had presented a “compelling argument” to the court based on facts and “jurisprudence.”
He said his government had faith that the judges of court would be able to “exercise professionally” in reaching a decision.
He also strongly refuted a claim from Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat that South Africa is the “legal arm” of Hamas, stressing that the South African delegation only has a mandate from the South African government.
“Our case also is not against the Jews as a people. Our case is against the actions of the State of Israel, the actions of genocide that are committed in Gaza,” Lamola said
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