JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said today that the country welcomes the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a majority decision calling on Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
“The International Court of Justice in The Hague today delivered a judgment that represents a victory for international law, for human rights and, above all, for justice,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation.
“The International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial body of the United Nations, has decided that the State of Israel must immediately take a series of interim measures to prevent further acts of genocide in Gaza, to refrain from such acts and to take effective measures to prevent them.” “The destruction to prevent and ensure the preservation of evidence in connection with acts of genocide. The South African government welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice,” Ramaphosa said.
The order is binding on Israel and must be respected by all States Parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, he said, adding that South Africa hopes that Israel is a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the law, hold adhere to the measures adopted by the TIJ.
“South Africa thanks all members of the international community who have supported our request, including several countries that have expressed their intention to become part of our request,” he added.
“Our sincere hope and desire is that this court will pave the way for an end to this crisis, for an end to the terrible loss of life and hardship, and for the crucial first steps towards reconciliation and fair and lasting justice “Peace,” said Ramaphosa.
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation today also welcomed the International Court of Justice's order, saying the ruling represents a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people.
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the International Court of Justice to initiate proceedings against Israel, citing Israel's alleged violations of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. End