ICJ ruling a significant step towards Palestinian freedom - DIRCO

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s ruling marked a significant step towards the freedom of Palestinians.

The court on Friday ordered Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent the killing of Palestinians after South Africa took Israel to the ICJ over its alleged acts of genocide.

Provisional measures that mitigate the conflict in the Middle East were outlined by the court, with DIRCO saying these were binding for Israel.

DIRCO spokesperson, Clayson Monyela: "Notably, South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people and to walk with them towards the realisation of their collective right to self-determination."