Cape Town – South Africa has lodged an application with the International Court of Justice, citing the Genocide Convention, to address alleged acts committed by Israel during its attacks on Gaza.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed grave concern over the indiscriminate use of force and forced removal of Gaza inhabitants.
As a State Party to the Genocide Convention, South Africa is obligated to prevent genocide, the department said.
“Therefore, at a special meeting held on 8 December 2023, Cabinet directed that the International Court of Justice in The Hague be approached to obtain an order directing Israel, which is also a State Party, to refrain from any acts that may constitute genocide or related crimes under the Convention.
“An application in this regard was filed before the Court on 29 December 2023 in which the Court is requested to declare on an urgent basis that Israel is in breach of its obligations in terms of the Genocide Convention, should immediately cease all acts and measures in breach of those obligations and take a number of related actions,” said Dirco.
It added: “South Africa has repeatedly stated that it condemns all violence and attacks against all civilians, including Israelis. Moreover, South Africa has continuously called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation of Palestine.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
