HAGUE: In the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, drew parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and apartheid-era policies in South Africa, urging for an end to Israel’s “inhumane discriminatory practices.”
Madonsela emphasized that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories resembles settler colonialism and constitutes a violation of the crime of apartheid, calling for immediate action to address the situation.
With 52 countries participating in the ICJ hearings, the focus is on seeking a non-binding advisory opinion on the legal ramifications of Israel’s occupation.
While South Africa’s case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza is separate, the ICJ previously ruled for Israel to prevent genocidal acts and allow humanitarian aid during its offensive.
The hearings began with Palestinian officials condemning Israel’s system of “colonialism and apartheid,” urging for the immediate and unconditional end to the occupation.
Although the ICJ’s rulings are binding in state disputes, its advisory opinions carry weight in international discourse, potentially increasing pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza.
Israel chose not to participate in oral hearings but submitted written contributions, criticizing the questions posed by the court as prejudicial and aimed at undermining its rights to self-defense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office asserted that negotiations, not legal proceedings, are the path to resolving the conflict, labeling the case as an attempt to undermine Israel’s security.
