SA's diplomatic relations to be tested in ICJ ruling on genocide case against Israel
South Africa’s delegation that will receive Friday’s order in The Hague will be led by International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor.
President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), US lawyer Joan Donoghue (2R), confers with colleagues at the court 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 - South Africa’s diplomatic relations are set to be tested in the coming days amid an order set to be handed down on Friday in the International Court of Justice, in the government’s genocide case against Israel.
The request for the court to order an immediate stop to the war in Gaza has sparked an open letter from over 200 United States (US) legislators for their government to denounce South Africa’s case, saying the allegations made against Israel are false and dangerous.
Friday’s order on the interim measures South Africa has presented to the world’s highest court will be handed down by the court president American Judge Joan Donoghue.
South Africa’s delegation that will receive Friday’s order in The Hague will be led by International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor.
She will be accompanied by the director general of her department Zane Dangor who attended the case two weeks ago, as well as presidential special advisor Nokukhanya Jele.
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Some of the six legal representatives who argued South Africa’s case for interim measures are also expected to be in attendance.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation's head of public diplomacy Clayson Monyela explained South Africa’s request.
“That Israel immediately ceases its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure the displaced are returned to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance.”
In a post on X, the Israeli government said those interested in justice should instead pursue the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, which is still holding over 100 Israelis captive since their attack on 7 October 2023, in which 1,000 Israelis were killed.