Why South Africa believes Israel is committing the crime of genocide

Johannesburg (Quds News Network) – In a significant and bold move, the South African government has firmly positioned itself against Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza, accusing the latter of committing genocide against Palestinians.

The case, initiated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, reflects South Africa’s unwavering commitment to justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

While the impact of South Africa’s filing on the ongoing conflict may be limited, it symbolizes a deep-rooted connection between the struggles of Black South Africans and Palestinians.

The narrative draws on historical ties, intertwining the liberation struggle of Black South Africans with the enduring plight of the Palestinian people.

Beyond this, the move signals a clear defiance against what South Africa perceives as an unjust, US-dominated international order, especially biased against African and non-Western interests.

The 84-page application presented to the ICJ explicitly frames Israel’s actions as genocidal, intending the destruction of a significant part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group – a violation of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Israel’s swift rejection, branding it a “blood libel,” adds a layer of tension to the diplomatic discourse.

Distinguishing itself from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICJ’s role becomes crucial in providing an avenue for an international body to scrutinize and pronounce a stance on Israel’s actions.

The historical precedent, such as Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar in 2019, further solidifies the legitimacy of South Africa’s petition.

The accusations against Israel come at a time when the country continues its bombardment of Gaza, resulting in a devastating toll on the Palestinian population.

South Africa’s multifaceted reasons for filing this accusation against Israel extend beyond historical ties and solidarity. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), deeply connected to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since Nelson Mandela’s leadership, aligns itself with the PLO’s struggle for self-determination.

In an election year for South Africa, the ANC’s continued support for the Palestinian cause becomes politically salient. The government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, faces challenges in maintaining dominance.

Michael Walsh, a visiting scholar at the University of California Berkeley, emphasizes the significant historical precedent South Africa has set since the end of apartheid, making the Palestinian issue a prominent aspect of its politics.

This ICJ referral is not South Africa’s initial step in holding Israel accountable. President Ramaphosa has consistently condemned Israel’s actions, and the government has taken diplomatic measures, including closing the Israeli embassy and referring the case to the International Criminal Court for investigation.

The move to challenge Israel on an international stage aligns with South Africa’s pursuit of legitimacy in the global system and the desire to be perceived as a major player.

The perceived decline in South Africa’s international stature, partly attributed to its refusal to arrest Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2015, adds a layer of complexity to this geopolitical maneuver.

As the ICJ lacks the power to enforce its rulings, the immediate impact may be limited. However, South Africa’s call for an interim order for a ceasefire showcases a commitment to seek immediate relief for the Palestinians.

The world now awaits the ICJ’s ruling, which could take months or even years, but in the meantime, South Africa’s resolute stand reverberates across the international community, urging an end to Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.