South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on Israel's military offensive in Gaza as a victory for international law, human rights, and justice. In a national TV broadcast, Ramaphosa stated that the ICJ's decision marked an essential first step in South Africa's pursuit of justice for the people of Gaza.
The ICJ, while refraining from ordering a ceasefire, did not dismiss genocide charges against Israel, as requested by South Africa in its case. The court demanded that Israel attempt to limit death and damage in its military offensive.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the ICJ's decision affirmed a plausible case of genocide, making it an unprecedented move by South Africa to take another country to the ICJ. He argued that South Africa, having experienced apartheid, would not be passive bystanders and stood on the side of freedom and justice.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa declared, "Never again shall it be that acts of genocide are perpetrated with impunity." He called for concerted efforts towards a ceasefire and negotiations for a permanent two-state solution, allowing Israel and Palestine to coexist as independent states.
South Africa filed the ICJ application on December 29, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The ICJ ruled that Israel must implement provisional measures to prevent further acts of genocide, desist from such acts, and preserve evidence relating to genocide. Ramaphosa urged Israel, a self-proclaimed democracy, to respect the ICJ's measures, concluding that the Palestinian people's cries for justice had been heeded.
(With Agency Inputs)
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