SA won't stop being vocal until Israel stops Gaza onslaught, says Pandor
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor said Israel has almost destroyed Gaza, with most Palestinians taking refuge in Rafah after being displaced from other cities that have been bombarded previously.
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says South Africa will continue to be vocal in the Middle East war until Israel stops its military onslaught in Gaza.
Last Thursday, South African lawyers returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to appeal to the court to order Israel's immediate withdrawal from Rafah.
South Africa is also arguing for additional provisional measures against Israel, in an attempt to force Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza.
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor said Israel had almost destroyed Gaza, with most Palestinians taking refuge in Rafah after being displaced from other cities that have been bombarded previously.
"The reason we continue to be involved is centred around the fact that the onslaught against innocent Palestinian civilians continues unabated, with now new plans for attacking Rafah. It is really to continue to argue that there is an intent of genocide on the part of the state of Israel."
Israel, however, is accusing South Africa of distorting reality.
But Pandor said Israel had ignored the ICJ's provisional orders despite being party to the Genocide Convention.
"We hope the measures that the court will consider and hopefully rule on positively, the world will join us in saying to Israel you must act in accordance with the measures. You have to ensure that lives are protected."