Bethlehem (Quds News Network) – In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the flag of South Africa was raised today in front of the Bethlehem Municipality in the occupied West Bank in the aftermath of the African country's filing of a lawsuit in the International Court of Justice charging Israel with genocide. The ceremony, attended by representatives from various entities, institutions, and security services in Bethlehem, along with community leaders, aimed to convey heartfelt thanks to South Africa for its consistent and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Carmen Ghattas, the Director of Public Relations at the municipality, spoke on behalf of Bethlehem's residents, municipal council, and organizations. In her address, Ghattas highlighted the deep gratitude and appreciation felt towards the Republic of South Africa for its steadfast stance in advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. "We stand here today to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of South Africa for its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the vigorous efforts it exerts to hold the Israeli occupation accountable before the International Court of Justice," stated Ghattas. She specifically commended South Africa's recent initiative in filing a lawsuit against Israel in the ICJ, charging the nation with genocide in connection to its actions in Gaza. Ghattas stressed the importance of such legal actions in holding Israel accountable for its actions. Anton Salman, the Mayor of Bethlehem Municipality, extended his thanks and praise to South Africa and its people for their humanitarian stance and unwavering support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Salman expressed gratitude for South Africa's proactive approach in seeking justice through international institutions, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The mayor also took the opportunity to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian people, describing the situation as an "Israeli war of genocide" in Gaza, the West Bank, and various other locations. The ceremony not only celebrated the solidarity between Bethlehem and South Africa but also emphasized the shared commitment to justice and human rights on the international stage.