Pretoria: The Government of South Africa has condemned the spreading of disinformation concerning its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Ronald Lamola, stated that such efforts seek to mislead the public and draw attention away from an ongoing genocide which is unfolding in Gaza and is televised on a daily basis.

According to South African Government News Agency, the lamentable aspersions being cast on their case form part of a larger campaign to shield Israel from accountability, dehumanise Palestinians, and undermine a just case firmly rooted in international law. The Minister emphasized that these recent disinformation efforts are part of a pattern aimed at undermining United Nations (UN) bodies, personnel, rapporteurs, international courts, and individuals who long to see an end to Israel’s genocidal campaign.

The Minister confirmed that the national fiscus is carrying the cost of this contentious case, highlighting South Afric
a’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The country remains resolved to invoke relevant UN organs to end what it describes as the Israeli genocidal destruction of the Palestinian people and seek a just and lasting peace in the State of Palestine.

Last month, South Africa formally filed its Memorial to the ICJ regarding the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza (South Africa v. Israel). During the briefing, Lamola reiterated South Africa’s consistent advocacy for the inalienable rights of Palestinians, including the demand for Israel to end its unlawful occupation that denies Palestinians their right to self-determination.

South Africa’s approach is informed by its own experiences of colonialism and apartheid, international law, and the UN Charter. Lamola stressed that South Africa has consistently supported the Palestinian struggle through multilateral platforms and numerous United Nations resolutions since 1994. The country has also be
en at the forefront of supporting the State of Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations.

The 28 October 2024 Memorial presented by South Africa details allegations against Israel, including the physical killing of Palestinians, denial of humanitarian aid, and conditions intended for their destruction. The government claims Israel uses starvation as a weapon of war and aims to depopulate Gaza through mass killing and forced displacement.

The evidence presented is said to demonstrate Israel’s intent to commit genocide, its failure to prevent and punish genocide, and its incitement to genocide. Lamola highlighted that preventing and punishing genocide is a duty owed by all states, as the prohibition is a peremptory norm of international law. The Genocide Convention, he noted, allows a Contracting Party to invoke the ICJ’s jurisdiction concerning the Convention’s interpretation, application, or fulfilment, including state responsibility for genocide or acts enumerated in Article III of the C
onvention.