Pretoria is challenging the Israeli government’s claim to innocence, which for far too long has allowed it to act with impunity against the long-suffering Palestinians.
Officials who supplied, incited or cheered on Israel’s monstrous atrocities have faced no legal jeopardy. That changed with South Africa’s reference to the International Court of Justice.
False accusations of anti-semitism are all Israel and its defenders have left. Once the “But Hamas!” and “But Oct. 7!” excuses are spent, false accusations of hating Jews is all that remains, writes Caitlin Johnstone.
At the International Court of Justice, the post-apartheid government called for an expedited hearing on Israel’s actions and provisional measures to prevent further harm to Palestinians.
Any party to the Genocide Convention can submit the matter to the World Court, which could make a finding of genocide, writes Marjorie Cohn. The General Assembly also has an option left.
There are scores of Palestinian writers and photographers, many of whom have been killed, who are determined to make us see the horror of this genocide. They will vanquish the lies of the killers.
Despite Israel’s abusive behavior, Palestinian resistance is never seen as warranted, writes Lawrence Davidson. Israel must respond to that resistance as matter of self-defense.
It is not that people are worried that a claim of genocide will not be successful at the International Court of Justice. It is that everybody is quite sure it will succeed.