SA tells ICJ Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza
It’s one of 40 countries and organisations which is presenting arguments to the world’s highest court throughout this week, in a case in which the court is to decide whether Israel is breaching obligations as an occupying power by blocking aid to Gaza.
This general view shows the logo of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on 12 January 2024, prior to the hearing of the genocide case against Israel, brought by South Africa. Picture: Remko de Waal / ANP / AFP
CAPE TOWN - The South African government has on Tuesday told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza, and is acting with impunity.
It’s one of 40 countries and organisations which is presenting arguments to the world’s highest court throughout this week, in a case in that the court is to decide whether Israel is breaching obligations as an occupying power by blocking aid to Gaza.
In an opening address to the court, International Relations director general Zane Dangor said the international community can’t accept Israel evicting United Nations (UN) aid agencies from operating in the territory and providing much-needed humanitarian relief.
In December, the UN requested the world court to provide it with an advisory opinion on Israel’s actions in Gaza, and is a separate matter from South Africa’s genocide case brought against Israel in December 2023.
South Africa was first up on the second day of oral hearings in The Hague, with Dangor telling the court that by insisting Israel comply with its obligations under the UN charter, it would not be prejudicing South Africa’s case.
“The international community cannot accept a reality in which an entire civil population is deliberately starved by Israel, where the United Nations is evicted and deprived of its immunities and privileges.”
Speaking in French, presidential legal advisor Nokukhanya Jele told the court Israel could not, as an occupying power, subject a population to collective punishment.
“Israel is under an obligation to respect the lives, rights, and property of the population of the occupied territory, while protected persons cannot be deprived in any manner whatsoever.”
Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion would not be binding, it would provide direction for the UN General Assembly to decide on further action on the matter.
ALSO READ: