By Emmanuel Nduka
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to take steps to limit harm to Palestinians in its battle with the Hamas group in Gaza.
Heritage Times HT reports that much of the credit goes to South Africa, after the African country dragged Israel to the ICJ in the politically explosive case.
South Africa had alleged that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza strip.
In a hearing in the Hague on Friday, the 17-strong panel of judges also ruled that Israel should take steps to prevent and punish incitement to genocide, as well as to provide basic aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
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Friday’s decision relates only to South Africa’s request for emergency measures to be applied while the case is heard.
A final ruling on South Africa’s allegation that Israel is committing genocide is likely to take years, Financial Times reports.
South Africa has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian State, commendably taking a stand on the Israel-Hamas war, a gesture many other big African nations have shied away from, and have instead chosen to play neutral.
Nalendi Pandora, South Africa’s Foreign Minister speaking to the press shortly after the ruling said, “what all of us should be talking about is to make sure Israel acts in accordance with the ICJ ruling”. To Palestinians trapped in the war, she said, ” South Africa made it through the apartheid period, Palestine will make it through this war. We are with you”.
