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South Africa Leads the Charge at ICJ Hearings on Israel’s Responsibility for Gaza Crisis

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South Africa is set to play a pivotal role in the ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings, which have brought 38 countries to The Hague to address Israel’s responsibility in the humanitarian crisis engulfing the Gaza Strip. The hearings, which began this week, follow a critical request from the United Nations General Assembly to assess Israel’s legal obligations to ensure the provision of essential aid to Gaza’s 2.4 million Palestinians during the war against Hamas.

A Critical Case for International Law

The case before the ICJ seeks to determine whether Israel is responsible for facilitating the unhindered delivery of international aid to Gaza, an area under strict Israeli control. Israel’s restrictions on aid inflows have exacerbated the suffering of civilians in Gaza, particularly after the halt of aid deliveries in March, just before the collapse of a ceasefire that had briefly reduced hostilities.

South Africa, which is the first nation to present its argument in the hearings, is at the forefront of this legal battle. The government has long maintained that Israel’s actions in Palestine are unlawful under international law, particularly its occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement policies.

The UN Resolution and ICJ’s Advisory Opinion

In December, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution urging the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion on Israel’s legal obligations regarding Gaza’s aid supply. The request came with the utmost urgency, as Israel’s strict control over the region’s humanitarian aid continues to jeopardize the lives of millions. The ICJ, while its opinions are not legally binding, holds significant moral and legal weight in international law.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, expressed support for the ICJ’s previous advisory opinion, which confirmed South Africa’s stance on Israel’s “unlawful occupation” of Palestinian land. The court’s advisory opinion from July last year stated that Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank amount to “annexation” and violate the prohibition on acquiring territory by force.

The Role of the 37 Other Countries

South Africa is not alone in its efforts. A total of 37 other countries, including major global players like China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, will address the 15-judge panel. Their combined arguments will further assess Israel’s responsibility and the role of international actors in ensuring the survival of Gaza’s civilian population amid the ongoing conflict.

Israel’s Actions Under Scrutiny

The ICJ has already issued a detailed advisory opinion on Israel’s conduct in the occupied territories. The 83-page document declared that Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law, as they amount to unlawful annexation. The court’s judgment in this regard highlighted the ongoing infringement of Palestinian rights under international legal frameworks.

Despite these findings, Israel continues its actions in the region, prompting calls from the international community, including South Africa, for a stronger response to end the occupation and ensure the basic rights and dignity of Palestinians.

The Road Ahead for Gaza and Palestine

As South Africa presents its case at the ICJ hearings, the world is watching closely. The outcome of these proceedings could shape the future of international relations in the Middle East and impact the ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination. For South Africa, this case is not just a legal matter but a moral stand in defense of justice, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations in Gaza.

In the coming days, as the hearings unfold, the global community will be awaiting the court’s advisory opinion, which is expected to carry significant weight in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution and a more just future for Palestine.

{Source: The Citizen}

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