In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has granted South Africa’s urgent plea for decisive measures against Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The court’s verdict, issued on Friday, directs Israel to take immediate steps to prevent potential acts of genocide during its military operations against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking on this development, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola expressed optimism that Israel would adhere to the World Court’s order. Lamola, in an interview, emphasized South Africa’s earnest hope for compliance with the directive, underscoring the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
While the ICJ’s decision favored South Africa’s request for emergency measures, it notably refrained from explicitly calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.
Lamola, attending a gathering of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, shared sentiments about the significance of the ICJ judgment. He remarked that South Africa’s revered leader, Nelson Mandela, would likely view the court’s decision with approval from his resting place.
The ANC has a longstanding history of supporting the Palestinian cause, rooted in the days when the party’s resistance against oppressive white-minority rule resonated with the Palestine Liberation Organisation led by Yasser Arafat. The ANC draws parallels between Israel’s actions and its own struggle against apartheid, a comparison vehemently rejected by Israel.
