Bogot¡: Israel's ongoing disregard for the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) undermines the integrity of the court and weakens the ability of global governance institutions to address impunity, says Zane Dangor, the Director General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
According to South African Government News Agency, Dangor was addressing the Emergency Conference of States, which is aimed at resolving what has been described as the genocide in Gaza. The Emergency Conference, jointly convened by Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs of The Hague Group, seeks to turn international condemnation into coordinated legal and diplomatic action.
The meeting in Colombia's capital, Bogot¡, took place one year after the General Assembly passed a resolution affirming the ICJ advisory opinion that deemed Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories 'unlawful.' Dangor highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent calls from United Nations (UN) Member States and the international community for a ceasefire in the region.
Dangor expressed concern over Israel's continued actions against Palestinians, including forced evacuations and targeted attacks on schools and medical facilities. He called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations towards a just peace, emphasizing the necessity for international law to be respected.
The DG argued that allowing Israel to disregard court decisions and UN resolutions without repercussions undermines the integrity of international law and the organizations responsible for its enforcement. He condemned Israel's actions as unlawful, stating that crimes such as genocide and apartheid are not complex but rather straightforward violations of international norms.
Dangor urged the international community to ensure accountability and halt the bloodshed in Gaza. He stressed the need for the Israeli government to uphold its obligations under international law and guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance in the West Bank and Gaza.
The DG noted that humanitarian support provided by Member States is often obstructed or destroyed by Israeli authorities or is allowed to be destroyed by extreme elements. He called for immediate action to stop the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza, which is causing significant suffering and trauma.