SOUTH AFRICA IMPLORES CJ TO END ISRAEL'S APARTHEID

The ICJ is holding a six day hearing based on a UN General Assembly request for a non-binding advisory on the legality of Israel’s policies in Palestine. Fifty-two countries will present their arguments- the largest number to participate in a single international court case.

South Africa opened the second day of hearings with ironclad arguments presented by Vusimuzi Madonsela, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands. He reiterated that Israel was responsible for perpetrating “apartheid” against the Palestinians, likening its occupation to what South Africans suffered under the oppressive settler colonial regime in their country. Such a shared pain, recalled Madonsela, demands a “special obligation” to call out apartheid wherever it occurs and ensure an “immediate end” to the current assault on the Gaza strip.

To date, Israel's assault in Gaza has killed nearly 30,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children.

South Africa has a long history of support for Palestine, thus spearheading the ICJ case which has accused Israel of “genocidal” acts in its incessant and widespread bombardment of Gaza. Representatives from the South African government have called for the total withdrawal of Israeli troops with an immediate end to the illegal occupation.

Israel declined to attend the current proceedings and has continuously refused to recognize the legitimacy of the ICJ hearings.