Cape Town — Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed concern over the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, despite the recent directive from the United Nations’ top court instructing Israel to cease its activities in the region.
In January, the ICJ ruled in favour of South Africa after it found that South Africa had sufficient evidence against Israel.
Israel was ordered to implement measures, including humanitarian aid and preserving evidence.
Weeks after the ICJ’s ruling, Mashatile noted that Israel has not stopped its bombing of innocent citizens in Gaza, and that civilians have still not received any supplies, as Israel were ordered to do, IOL reported.
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“It is, however, concerning that two weeks after the court’s ruling, Israel has continued its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, killing hundreds of civilians, and it has failed to ensure that the civilian population receives adequate humanitarian aid and medical care, as well as the essentials required to sustain human life, such as food, water, and electricity.” Masahtile said.
“We will stand hand in hand with the Palestinians until they achieve their freedom. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice’,” he added.
Mashatile said South Africa’s decision to go to the World Court was based on its support for human rights.
Since the ICJ’s ruling was delivered a few weeks back, both Naledi Pandor and Cyril Ramaphosa have called on Israel to act on the ICJ’s ruling.
Early this month, Pandor also accused Israel of ignoring the ICJ’s order.
She emphasised the need for a ceasefire for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Israel.
Pandor believed that Israel was disregarding the court’s rulings and suggested exploring alternative measures to prevent further atrocities in Gaza, EWN reported.
[WATCH] DIRCO minister DR Naledi Pandor says: “The real question facing nations today is, what happens if Israel does not comply with the ICJ ruling on Gaza?” #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/wI9hYmgqSv
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 31, 2024
“I believe the rulings of the court have been ignored by Israel. Hundreds of people have been killed in the last three, or four days, and clearly, Israel believes it has a license to do as it wishes,” the report quoted her as saying.
The minister added: “We are going to come to a point where we have to think: what are we going to do to stop such acts occurring? Not just with Israel, but any party in the world.”
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
