Do not judge the International Court of Justice solely by whether it calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Much more important is whether it finds South Africa’s genocide allegations deserve a full hearing.
We call on all Jews to reject the politics of Jewish exceptionalism and to hold our communities accountable for supporting and enabling Israel’s genocidal and wholly unjustifiable war.
Irish barrister Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh made international headlines for her stirring presentation to the International Court of Justice on the urgent need to protect Palestinians from Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza. Read her full speech here.
Facing charges of genocide, Israel claims “self-defense” in front of the ICJ, as world powers strike Yemeni rebel group in the name of protecting global trade. Meanwhile, Israel continues to bomb and shoot Palestinians.
Presenting its case before the International Court of Justice, Israel argued that South Africa’s request to end the assault on Gaza was “unconscionable” and a “transparent attempt to abuse the [Genocide] Convention.”
Like many Palestinians, I have lost faith in the international community. But I was emotional watching South Africa lay bare Israel’s crimes at the ICJ. For the first time, our pain was taken seriously, and our call for justice was honored.
As Israel’s attacks on Gaza continued, killing medical workers and journalists, South Africa stood in front of the International Court of Justice and presented compelling evidence of Israel’s genocidal acts and intent.
In an exhaustive presentation, lawyers for South Africa presented its case to the International Court of Justice that Israel has failed to prevent and is continuing to commit acts of genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza.
A ruling by the International Court of Justice in favor of South Africa, which has accused Israel of genocide, could mean saving thousands of lives in Gaza. The alternative, however, could be devastating and further embolden Israeli violence.
South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice charging Israel with the crime of genocide has the potential to dramatically alter Israel’s image in the world, and profoundly strengthen the global movement for justice in Palestine.