No matter what Israel does, US will support it - Dr Oscar Van Heerden (UJ)
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki argues that Palestinians are enduring "colonialism and apartheid" under Israeli rule.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- South Africa’s genocide case against Israel
- Israel Hamas conflict
The International Court of Justice, which has its seat in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Picture: https://www.icj-cij.org/home
Bongani Bingwa interviews Dr Oscar Van Heerden, Senior Research Fellow: Centre for Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg.
Listen below.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki is urging judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to demand that Israel immediately stop occupying Palestinian land.
Palestinians are enduring "colonialism and apartheid", he argues.
This case is a separate one from the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel in the wake of its continuing destruction of Gaza.
Palestinian lawyer Muhammed Dahleh emphasises the significance of these hearings, adding that Palestinians have been trying for decades to use international law and diplomacy to gain attention for their cause, without success.
Fifty-two countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, are expected to present evidence.
Van Heerden observes that, regardless of Israel's actions, the United States will consistently support and defend Israel.
"In terms of the UN system, the Palestinians and others have realised that Israel enjoys the unequivocal support of the United States of America."
- Dr Oscar Van Heerden, Centre for Diplomacy and Leadership – University of Johannesburg
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