South Africa's Position in ICJ Case Against Israel Is 'Very Strong': Palestinian Minister
12:43 15.01.2024 (Updated: 12:45 15.01.2024)
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On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that Israel's ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip violate the UN Genocide Convention, signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust. Last week, the court held two hearings on the case.
South African position in its case against Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip is "very strong," Palestinian Minister of Justice, Mohammad Al-Shalaldeh, told Sputnik.
"South Africa's position is very strong. South Africa's accusations are based on international law, and good and convincing evidence has been collected," he said.
The minister also highlighted the "weakness" of Israel's position and the lack of legal basis in the country's argumentation.
"Israel has a weak position. Israel's argument in favor of self-defense against Hamas has no legal basis, because self-defense is applicable only in case of conflict between fully sovereign States," the minister added.
According to him, it is a "good sign" that an Israeli representative was in court. For the first time in its history, Israel decided to disregard the rule of not cooperating with international judicial authorities and send its representatives to participate in the trial.
"This shows that Israel attaches great importance to this court and to the decision that will be made," the minister noted.
The African nation is seeking "provisional measures" from the International Court of Justice to stop Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, where the civilian death toll from Israeli attacks has so far exceeded 24,000, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
