South African Jews Welcome ICJ Ruling on Israel’s Military Operation in Gaza
A supporter of Hamas demonstrates outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. Photo: Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw
South Africa’s main Jewish body on Friday welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, portraying it as a blow to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) which brought the case after accusing the Jewish state of committing “genocide.”
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) said it “welcomes the ICJ’s recognition of Israel’s right to defend its citizens by denying the ANC government’s request for a ceasefire.”
It noted that the court “was never asked to determine the merits of the charge of genocide. It was only asked to provide interim measures, two of which were granted.”
The group highlighted the ICJ’s statement that it remains “gravely concerned about the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack in Israel on 7 October 2023 and held since then by Hamas and other armed groups, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.”
“The court’s call for the hostages to be freed is a fundamental requirement for the end of the conflict,” the SAJBD said. “It is regrettable that the South African government did not put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages from the outset, which would have averted such terrible loss of life.” More than 200 Israeli and foreign hostages were seized by Hamas terrorists during their Oct. 7 pogrom in southern Israel, in which over 1,200 people were murdered amid atrocities that included mass rape.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) unveiled its decision on Friday, regarding potential “emergency measures” against Israel following South Africa’s allegations of “state-led genocide” in Gaza.
The judgement summary was no immediate order to halt the war, but assistance must be provided to improve humanitarian conditions, take measures to prevent acts or incitement against the genocide convention, to preserve evidence and provide a report of government acts taken.
ICJ President Joan Donoghue stated in light of initial findings, the court has jurisdiction to hear the case and won’t remove it from the docket, as requested by Israel.
Donoghue later said the ICJ finds a plausible link for need of some of the provisional measures requested by South Africa.
The South African delegation sought nine provisional measures, urging the court to compel the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to cease military actions in Gaza during the proceedings, aiming for an enforced ceasefire.
Israeli officials, regardless of the ICJ’s call, have affirmed their unwavering commitment to ‘asserting the right to self-defense.’
Anticipating the ICJ’s decision in The Hague, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orchestrated a special meeting. Simultaneously, Hamas issued a preliminary proclamation, expressing ‘willingness for a ceasefire’ if sanctioned by the court, hinging on reciprocal commitment from Israel.
Hamas reiterated its call for the release of Palestinian prisoners, the end of the Gaza siege, and the provision of vital aid to residents.
South Africa temporarily withdrew its diplomats from Israel and shuttered its embassy in Tel Aviv shortly after the Hamas assault, saying that the Pretoria government was “extremely concerned at the continued killing of children and innocent civilians” in Gaza.
Last month, two Hamas officials — Bassem Naim, a member of the terrorist organization’s politburo, and Khaled Qaddoumi, its official representative in Iran — arrived in South Africa to attend a government-sponsored conference in solidarity with the Palestinians as well as ceremonies commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela, the former South African president who led the ANC in its struggle against apartheid.
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