South Africa Applauds ICJ Decision to Halt Israeli Military Offensive in Rafah
JOHANNESBURG — In a significant development, South Africa has expressed its contentment with the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to cease its military offensive in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. The decision was prompted by an appeal from multiple countries concerned about the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, in an interview with the State Broadcaster SABC on Friday, underscored the pivotal nature of the ICJ’s verdict.
“We are gratified that the court has given serious consideration to the issues we raised and has emphasized the need for an immediate halt to this brutal attack on innocent Palestinians,” she remarked.
Pandor didn’t mince words in condemning Israel’s prolonged impunity and called upon the United Nations, specifically the UN Security Council, to take decisive action to safeguard the Palestinian population.
“The onus lies on us as UN member states and particularly on the UN Security Council, which bears the responsibility for global peace and security,” she asserted.
The Foreign Minister characterized the ruling as a resounding call for an end to the violence in Rafah. “We are all apprehensive. We are witnessing the unfolding horror and urgent intervention is imperative. We cannot entrust the perpetrators of this relentless onslaught to be the ones to halt it,” Pandor stressed, underscoring the need for international involvement.
Furthermore, she highlighted a shifting global perspective on the Palestinian predicament, noting an increasing number of countries, especially from the northern hemisphere, condemning Israel’s actions and acknowledging Palestine.
Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Foreign Ministry, also hailed the ICJ’s decision, hailing it as a landmark ruling. “This order is groundbreaking as it is the first instance where Israel is explicitly instructed to cease military operations in any part of Rafah. South Africa welcomes the court’s ruling,” Dangor affirmed.
He also commended the court’s directive allowing UN-appointed investigators access to Gaza to investigate potential acts of genocide. “This is crucial as it permits independent researchers to enter areas journalists have been barred from…enabling those involved in legal action to have verified investigations conducted by UN experts,” Dangor elaborated.
Dangor revealed South Africa’s intention to petition the Security Council for the enforcement of this provision, underscoring the mandatory nature of the ICJ’s orders that Israel must comply with. — Agencies
