South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola announced on Tuesday that the country has presented compelling evidence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding claims of genocide against Israel.
Lamola asserted that the evidence demonstrates how the Israeli government is allegedly using starvation as a weapon of war, with the intent to depopulate Gaza through mass killings and forced displacements.
“The evidence unequivocally shows that Israel’s acts in Gaza reflect a deliberate intent to commit genocide. It highlights Israel’s failure to prevent and punish acts of genocide,” Lamola stated during a press conference in Pretoria. He emphasized the global responsibility to prevent and address the crime of genocide, reiterating South Africa’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights.
On October 28, South Africa submitted a memorial to the ICJ, outlining how Israel reportedly violates the 1948 Genocide Convention by systematically targeting Palestinians through physical violence and obstructing humanitarian access. The document raises alarm about deteriorating living conditions for Palestinians, indicative of efforts aimed at their physical destruction.
Lamola addressed the spread of misinformation surrounding the genocide case, asserting that such narratives divert attention from the reality of the situation in Gaza. Advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people, he noted that South Africa’s stance is rooted in its own historical experiences with colonialism and apartheid.
The case, filed in late 2023, accuses Israel of failing its responsibilities under international law while several nations, including Türkiye and Colombia, have joined in solidarity. With casualties in Gaza surpassing 44,000 due to ongoing military operations, the ICJ has issued multiple orders for Israel to cease hostilities and alleviate humanitarian suffering.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the global focus remains fixed on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the implications of these legal actions for international relations and human rights.
