SA tells ICJ UNRWA ban weakening Palestinians' resilience
On Wednesday, the court will enter the third day of oral hearings in which it's being asked by the United Nations to issue an advisory opinion on whether Israel is violating its obligations as an occupying power.
Presidential legal advisor Nokukhanya Jele and International Relations Director-General Zane Dangor before the International Court of Justice on Tuesday 29 April 2025. Picture: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek
CAPE TOWN - The South African government has told the world's highest court that Israel is using starvation as a method of warfare.
It further told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that by banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from Gaza, Palestinians are being rendered less resilient to Israel's acquisition of the territory by force and genocide.
On Wednesday, the court will enter the third day of oral hearings in which it's being asked by the United Nations to issue an advisory opinion on whether Israel is violating its obligations as an occupying power.
South Africa is one of over 40 countries and organisations that are appearing before the World Court this week to make representations on the advisory opinion sought by the United Nations (UN).
READ: SA tells ICJ Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza
In a three-part submission by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Director-General Zane Dangor, presidential legal advisor Nokukhanya Jele and state law advisor, Jaymion Hendricks, government set out its views.
Hendricks said Israel was infringing on Palestinians' right to self-determination and appealed to third-party states not to condone violations of international law.
"It is imperative that third states refrain from providing arms which enable Israel's breaches of international law in the occupied Palestinian territory."
While this case is not related to South Africa's genocide case against Israel, government said as an occupying power, Israel must ensure the unhindered passage of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza as previously ordered by the court in provisional measures last year.