South Africa's return to ICJ is a 'call to the world' - Naledi Pandor

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, about South Africa again approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to have action taken against Israel. 

South African lawyers returned to the ICJ in The Hague last Thursday in a bid to secure an order compelling Israel's immediate withdrawal from Rafah.

South Africa wants the Court to urgently indicate further provisional measures 'and/or to modify its previous provisional measures'.

It wants Israel to 'immediately cease its military offensive'.

Rafah is considered the last remaining refuge in Gaza for civilians who have been displaced as a result of the IDF's offensive.

Pandor explains why South Africa continues its legal bid in The Hague.

"It is to continue to argue that there is an intent of genocide on the part of the state of Israel."

 - Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation

"The onslaught against innocent Palestinian civilians continues unabated with now new plans for attacking Rafah where most Palestinians are displaced from cities that have been bombarded."

- Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation

"As they move they are bombarded. When they move, they are bombarded. All attempts to seek refuge result in further killing."

- Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation

Pandor says Israel has ignored the provisional measures imposed by the ICJ earlier this year.

The court had demanded Israel take immediate steps to prevent genocidal actions in Gaza; prevent and punish incitement to genocide; allow access to humanitarian aid; and prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence of alleged crimes. 

"Essentially, Israel has ignored the provisional measures."

- Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation

"This is really a call both to the world, and to the state of Israel that more must be done to ensure that civilians are protected."

- Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation

ALSO READ: South Africa returns to ICJ for urgent hearing over Israel genocide case

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.