Jerusalem – Israeli flag carrier El Al said Friday it will scrap direct flights to South Africa following “a significant fall in demand by Israeli travellers” to the country and other destinations.
“From the end of March 2024, El Al will suspend its operations on the Johannesburg-Tel Aviv route,” an El Al statement said.
The announcement came hours before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to issue an initial ruling on Pretoria’s case against Israel over alleged genocidal acts in Gaza.
The final El Al flight from Tel Aviv to Johannesburg is set to depart on March 27, according to the airline’s website.
Scores of international airlines have suspended Tel Aviv flights since the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, while many countries have warned their nationals against travelling to Israel.
The case brought by South Africa in the top United Nations court has signficantly strained relations with Israel, which denies accusations its military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide against Palestinians.
The Hague-based ICJ could on Friday order Israel to stop its ground offensive and bombardment or Gaza, or permit more humanitarian aid to enter the territory.
The court will not however pass judgement on whether or not Israel is actually committing genocide in Gaza, as this process will likely take years.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Source: AFP
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Madonsela applauds SA’s stand against Israel ahead of ICJ verdict
Cape Town – Former South African public protector Thuli Madonsela, known for exposing government corruption, has commended the South African government for challenging Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza.
South Africa sought a court order to suspend military operations, alleging Israeli genocide against Palestinians following Hamas attacks.
The ICJ’s ruling is awaited.
Madonsela praised the government for standing up for justice, while some caution that an ICJ decision may not guarantee a ceasefire.
Whatever the outcome at #ICJ in the #Genocide case against Israel over its mass killings,mass displacement, maiming,starving of Palestinians,destroying their homes & infrastructure,I salute the government of South Africa & its lawyers for standing up for the rule of law & justice pic.twitter.com/wnSqS8ZUgo
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) January 24, 2024
“Whatever the outcome at [the] ICJ in the genocide case against Israel over its mass killings, mass displacement, maiming, starving of Palestinians, destroying their homes and infrastructure, I salute the government of South Africa and its lawyers for standing up for the rule of law and justice,” Madonsela said.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu asserts a commitment to a “total victory” and rejects surrender.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/GovernmentZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
