According to national media reports, Ramaphosa told a meeting of the African National Congress (ANC) that their lawsuit against Israel aims to stop genocide.
Commenting on the first hearing of the case held today, Ramaphosa said, “When our lawyers were defending our case in The Hague, when I saw Ronald Lamola, a son of this land, presenting our case in court, I have never felt as proud as I do today.”
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Stating that South Africa is a reference point for human rights and that is why they are taking action, Ramaphosa said that they are determined to follow in the footsteps of their leader (Nelson Mandela).
Ramaphosa said, “Some people say that the step we are taking is risky. We are a small country and we have a small economy. They can attack us but we will stand on our principles. As the father of our democracy taught us, we will not be truly free until the Palestinian people are free.”
First hearing held
The hearing on the request for interim measures in the case filed by the Republic of South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the grounds that Israel violated the Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza began today.
On the first day of the hearing, South Africa presented its arguments.
During the hearing, lawyers representing the South African side charged that Israel’s deliberate actions against Palestinians in Gaza proved its genocidal intent.
The International Court of Justice is the UN judicial body for the settlement of disputes under United Nations (UN) treaties and international agreements.
