Tinaye Agere
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says Israel has failed to disprove South Africa’s genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague, Netherlands.
“South Africa’s case before this court is a simple one. Under the Genocide Convention, nothing justifies the genocidal acts currently being committed by Israel. Self-defense is no answer to genocide. There is no balancing exercising Israel has sought to suggest and the prohibition is absolute.”
Lamola has also stressed that nothing justifies Israel’s actions.
He addressed the media on the sidelines of the International Court of Justice, following Israel’s presentations.
“We were very clear that our cases are not against the Jewish people, the residents, and the civilian population of Israel. Our case is against the actions of the state of Israel, and the military which is targeting the civilian population in Gaza of the Palestinian people. The same goes with Hamas. They must respect international law. They must operate within that.”
Meanwhile, Dr Galit Raguan has argued that Israel has provided essential services to the people of Gaza.
South Africa told the ICJ on Thursday that Israel is perpetuating genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza, with more than 23 000 people already dead since mid-October.
Raguan argued on behalf of Israel on Thursday that accusations that Israel’s intention is to commit genocide are baseless. – SABC News
Bongani Ndlovu