The Democratic Alliance welcomed the International Court of Justice's ruling that there was a prima facie case of genocide against the Gaza population and ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent further killings.
The ICJ also rejected Israel's request to dismiss South Africa's case against Israel.
Emma Powell, the DA's international relations spokeswoman, said: “As a party committed to the rule of law, the DA welcomes the ICJ's statement on the remedy.” However, we urge the Court to quickly decide whether the more substantive claims raised by South Africa regarding the genocide charge actually have merit under international law. ”
Powell said he believes in a two-state solution.
“As parties, we remain absolutely committed to a viable and sustainable two-state solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 242. Our version is a safe Israel, followed by peaceful coexistence. It is for a sovereign and free Palestine.”
Emma Powell speaks to SABC News in the video below.
Powell called on Israel to follow suit.
“We call on the Israeli Prime Minister to immediately recommit to a negotiated two-state solution. All civilian hostages kidnapped since October 7 must be returned urgently. Hamas It must be disarmed and, of course, a date must be set for new elections in Palestine under the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.”
ANC welcomes ICJ ruling
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the court's decision was a turning point.
He said South Africa supports the Palestinian people because they share the same painful history of apartheid.
“The world will remember us that when we faced apartheid, the world never abandoned us. The world is with us and today we are free. Because the people of the world were with us in the fight against apartheid.”
“That was true, and it still is.” [be] South Africa is right to stand on the side of justice. [acts] Eliminate injustice and the rest of humanity will agree with us. And today, this is a very important ruling, a very important judgment in solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Mbalula added.
ANC NEC member Ronald Lamola, speaking in his capacity as Minister of Justice and Corrections, said South Africa had made a strong case in The Hague.
He says former President Nelson Mandela is smiling in his grave.
“Because I know we have forensically argued our case in court and I believe in the strength of our case in court and I believe in the strength of our case. is a humbling feeling and knowing in the grave that we stood on Mr. Mandela's shoulders and made him extremely proud by continuing to work on issues that he would have advocated for himself. “I believe he is smiling because, you know, the Genocide Convention was one of the treaties he proposed,” Lamola says.
X