Cape Town – ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has cautioned party members about a potential systematic fightback following the South African government’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the bombardment of Gaza.
The ICJ on Friday ordered Israel to take steps to prevent and punish incitement to genocide and ensure the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
Ramaphosa assured that South Africa is fully committed to pursuing the case, acknowledging possible challenges in domestic politics and electoral outcomes as part of the fightback strategy.
According to an SABC clip, he highlighted the dedication of the legal team involved in the case.
“Speaking to the lawyers, I found them ready and willing to take this case forward to its final conclusion. The fightback may focus on our domestic politics and our electoral outcomes in order to pursue a regime change agenda. Now, some people have said that this was a David and Goliath type of contest,” he said while speaking at the conclusion of the ANC NEC Lekgotla in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Earlier this week, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor expressed concern, saying that it is challenging to envision how Israel will carry out the ICJ’s order without first achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Pandor called for the release of Israeli hostages and emphasised the need for humanitarian aid and basic services for residents of Gaza and the West Bank.
“The saving of life is not merely with respect to having a ceasefire. It is to ensure humanitarian aid is provided to those who need it, as well as ensuring the state of Israel provides the necessary basic services that residents of Gaza and the West Bank require.
[WATCH] “We agree with the judges that Hamas must release the hostages they are currently holding” – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor reacting to SA’s genocide case with#InternationalCourtofJustice. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/f7xozMwTLG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 26, 2024
“South Africa had the view that we could not stand idly by and continue to observe the killing of thousands of Palestinian citizens who had no role in the killings by Hamas,” said Pandor.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
