Cape Town – Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola says the world has gained a precise understanding of the events in Gaza through forensic examination, regardless of the outcome of South Africa’s application accusing Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Lamola, confident of a win, believes the effort has already exposed what is happening in Gaza, regardless of the outcome.
Israel rejects the claims, describing them as a distorted picture.
According to EWN, Lamola highlighted South Africa’s ability to challenge Israel on the international stage, attributing it to Nelson Mandela’s signing of the Genocide Convention in 1998.
“Yes, we have exposed the propaganda and hypocrisy, particularly of Israel, in terms of what is happening at the Gaza Strip,” the report quoted Lamola as saying.
Lamola returned from The Hague, where led the historic bid for a Middle East ceasefire, on Sunday.
The South African legal team received a triumphant welcome at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
Heroes’ welcome at the OR Tambo international airport for SA’ legal team arriving from the ICJ in The Hague #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/gHRP42Noon
— Ditaba Tsotetsi (@tsotetsiditaba) January 14, 2024
The team included John Dugard, Max Du Plessis, Adila Hassim, and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi.
Advocate Ngcukaitobi expressed gratitude for the support and said they are awaiting the ruling from the panel of 17 international judges.
South Africa argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention, citing over 20 000 deaths, including around 10 000 children, since October 7.
“The overall struggle itself will continue beyond this. But we have been very humbled that we have been able to contribute a very small part to an otherwise long and courageous struggle of the Palestinian people,” Ngcukaitobi said.
[WATCH] Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi says South Africa’s appearance before the #InternationalCourtofJustice marks a crucial turning point in having the world look at the Israel and Palestine issue through the legal lens. pic.twitter.com/XNNkWB04W7
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 14, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
