SA-Israel case | Pandor welcomes ICJ order

Summary

The South African Minister of International Relations discusses the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering provisional measures against Israel regarding alleged human rights violations in Palestine. She expresses satisfaction with the ruling to provide humanitarian aid and reduce harm against civilians, though notes the court did not specify a ceasefire. The minister calls on Israel to comply, hoping this moves parties toward a two-state solution. She asserts the focus should be supporting the Palestinian people enduring harm, not South Africa's relations with Israel.

Takeaways

• 😊 The South African minister thanked the ICJ judges for dealing with the case urgently given the need to protect civilians in Palestine
• 😞 The case was about ensuring international bodies exercise responsibility to protect civilians globally
• 🤔 South Africa felt it had to act and report to the ICJ given the large number of Palestinians being killed
• 😠 The minister agrees Hamas should release the hostages they are holding
• 👍 The minister believes negotiations for a two-state solution should happen now to decisively end the conflict
• 😕 The minister would have wanted a ceasefire specifically called out in the ICJ judgment
• 💪 The minister feels the monthly reporting requirement in the judgment is very significant
• 😡 The minister has never been hopeful about Israel conforming but hopes its powerful friends advise it should
• 🤨 The case sends a clear signal and tests whether Israel will respect international law
• 😢 The minister stands with the people of Palestine and tells them to never give up hope

Q & A

What was the significant reaction from the US regarding South Africa's involvement in a case related to Israel and Palestine?

Lawmakers in the US expressed disgust with South Africa's process, calling the case meritless and baseless.

How did South Africa respond to the criticism of their case being meritless?

South Africa defended their case by stating it was based on provisional measures requested, highlighting that even Israel, despite not being obliged to, showed support for the Court's work by presenting its side of the story due to its signature on the genocide convention.

What was the purpose of South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice?

The purpose was to address the urgent need to protect innocent civilians in Palestine and to ensure that humanitarian aid is provided, along with basic services by Israel, the occupier and administrator in Palestine.

Did the International Court of Justice order a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Palestine?

The Court did not specifically order a ceasefire, but measures to reduce harm and provide humanitarian aid, which implicitly requires a ceasefire, were emphasized.

What were the views of the South African Minister on Israel conforming to the Court's orders?

The Minister expressed skepticism about Israel's compliance but hoped that Israel's powerful friends would advise it to act according to the Court's directives.

What implications did South Africa foresee if Israel did not conform to the International Court of Justice's orders?

Non-conformance by Israel could set a negative precedent, potentially emboldening abusers in conflicts worldwide, undermining respect for international law.

What was South Africa's stance on the relationship with Israel following the Court's decision?

The focus was not on South Africa's ties with Israel but on the plight of the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to address their suffering and rights.

What was the South African Minister's hope for the outcome of the International Court of Justice's decision?

The hope was for the beginning of substantive discussions towards a two-state solution and an end to the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people.

How did South Africa view the role of the International Court of Justice's decision in the context of global community and international law?

South Africa viewed the decision as a practical activation of international conventions to protect global citizens, advocating for a world where conflicts are resolved through negotiation and peaceful means.

What was the overarching message of South Africa to the Palestinian people in light of the Court's decision?

South Africa expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, encouraging them never to give up hope and drawing parallels with their own struggle against apartheid.