Cape Town – International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has expressed concern, saying that it is challenging to envision how Israel will carry out the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order without first achieving a ceasefire in 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.
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.
She said that if Israel ignored the ruling, “we are, essentially, opening room for all abusers in many conflicts around the world. It will be setting a terrible precedent”.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
