South Africa says existence of Palestinian people in Gaza is threatened unless court intervenes

 

South Africa's justice minister said the case he has taken to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, gives the court the opportunity to "take action in real time" to bring to justice those he says committed genocide. Described as preventing him from "continuing in Gaza".

Ronald Lamola, speaking to reporters outside the steps of the Peace Palace in The Hague after South Africa completed its oral arguments at the hearing on Thursday, said he hoped the case would be "impactful" to the people of Gaza.

"This case provides an opportunity for the court to take action in real time to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza by issuing an immediate injunction," Lamola said.

Lamola expressed hope that the case would deter Israeli troops from continuing their actions in Gaza, adding that they might realize that they could one day be personally summoned before the court.

The Justice Minister told reporters that South Africa had presented a "compelling argument" to the court based on facts and "jurisprudence".

He said his government was confident that the court's judges would be able to "act professionally" in reaching a decision.

He also strongly refuted Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Lior Hayat's claim that South Africa is the "legal branch" of Hamas, stressing that the South African delegation has a mandate only from the South African government.

“Our case is also not against Jews as a people. Our case is against the actions of the State of Israel, the genocidal actions carried out in Gaza,” Lamola said.