Image: Daily Maverick
In a globally observed session at the Peace Palace, South Africa brought Israel to the World Court, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Headed by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, South Africa, supported by a nine-member global legal team, asserted that Israel harbors genocidal intent in Palestine. The court has been petitioned to mandate six specific actions, including halting military operations, preventing further casualties, establishing humanitarian corridors to avert famine, and ensuring the unhindered and secure birth of Palestinian infants.
Advocate Adila Hassim, drawing on her extensive background in social justice, delivered the opening statement for South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), presided over by Judge Joan Donoghue. Hassim emphasized that the proceedings under the Genocide Convention “expressed the essence of our shared humanity.”
“Genocides are never declared in advance, but this court has 13 weeks of evidence indicating a pattern,” stated Advocate Adila Hassim. She highlighted that news feeds have been filled with unbearable graphic images, and Israel has warned that the situation could persist for a year. Without intervention from the Court, the horror is unlikely to cease. She noted that life in Gaza has become unbearable in the 96 days since the Israeli state’s attack following the Hamas incursion on October 7.
Advocate Adila Hassim categorized the conduct into four potential genocidal acts:
1. Mass Killing of Civilians in Gaza:
– The extensive killing in Gaza has left no place safe, with 23,210 Palestinians killed by January 11, including at least 70% women and children.
– Seven thousand Palestinians are missing, presumed dead under the rubble, with significant destruction of mosques, schools, churches, and community buildings.
– Israel deployed the largest and most destructive bombs available, with records indicating the use of 6,000 bombs per week in the initial three weeks.
– The killing, including wiping out multi-generational families, is described as the destruction of Palestinian life, and the scale of child killings is deemed a “graveyard for children” by UN chiefs.
2. Severe Bodily and Mental Harm:
– Palestinians have faced severe bodily and mental harm as the second genocidal act.
3. Actions Making Life Unsustainable:
– Israel’s actions, including repeated displacement (85% of Gazans), constitute the third genocidal act, making life impossible to sustain.
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