Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Marianne Merten
Published on 2024-02-28 21:12:34
South Africa is gearing up to respond to the report submitted by Israel on provisional measures taken in the Israel-Gaza war, as mandated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a month ago. International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has affirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the existing provisional ICJ measures. This was emphasized during a session in the House where Pandor addressed questions regarding the matter.
The concern over Israel’s compliance with the ICJ measures has been raised by executives of seven international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, ActionAid, and Oxfam. In a joint statement, they highlighted the failure to provide basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, leading to a further deterioration of the situation on the ground. The statement also condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians in a single day.
Pandor mentioned that South Africa is exploring partnerships with like-minded countries to call for an end to what they describe as Israeli genocidal actions. Diplomatic channels are being utilized to engage with the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to secure greater access for humanitarian aid and prevent a potential catastrophe in Rafah.
When questioned about the costs of the ICJ case, Pandor reassured that the costs are not prohibitive as officials are being paid from departmental budgets and legal counsel is providing pro bono services. She dismissed claims about foreign financial support for the case, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the principled stance of South Africa.
South Africa has taken a strong stance against Israel, referring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the ICC in a separate matter and joining 51 countries in arguing before the ICJ that “acts akin to apartheid” are occurring in Gaza. Pandor refuted comparisons between the Israel-Gaza war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, highlighting the support Israel receives compared to the situation in Ukraine.
Regarding the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, Pandor stated that the matter is pending Cabinet deliberation and no action will be taken until a decision is reached. Despite internal and external challenges, South Africa remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, freedom, and justice for the people of Palestine.
In conclusion, South Africa’s response to Israel’s report on provisional measures in the Israel-Gaza war reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to upholding international law and seeking justice for the victims of the conflict. Through diplomatic efforts and engagement with the international community, South Africa continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the crisis in Gaza.
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