DIRCO deputy says world witnessing ‘expansion’ of genocide against Palestinians

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes said the world is witnessing an “expansion” of the genocide against the people of Palestine.

Botes said they’re also currently engaging several countries to ensure that Israel responds to obligations under the genocide convention.

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Botes made the remarks during an oral question session in the National Assembly on Wednesday as Israel continues its ground incursion in Gaza City this week, which has displaced thousands.

He was asked whether South Africa will consider reviewing its original referral of Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to also include a call for “immediate and effective” intervention by the United Nations (UN).

This was considering what Al Jama-ah called “fresh allegations” of genocide against Israel as it intensifies its attacks in Gaza.

But Botes said the allegations are not new.

“Maybe I must state, this is not fresh allegations of genocide taking place. I think what we are seeing here is the expansion of a genocide that is being committed against the people of Palestine by the state of Israel. We do regard, unequivocally, the conduct of the state of Israel is in breach of international law and it’s in clear violation of ICJ provisions of measures for this previously issued by the ICJ.”

Botes said the department has also taken Parliament into confidence on its decision to downgrade Israel’s embassy and also recall of South Africa’s entire diplomatic personnel from Tel Aviv.

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