South Africa filed its case at the Hague-based ICJ against the Israeli regime’s genocide in Gaza on December 29.
On Saturday, a day after the ICJ delivered its interim ruling on emergency measures requested by South Africa, IRNA’s correspondent went to the South African Embassy to conduct an interview with Ambassador Moloi.
We published the first part of the interview on Saturday. The following is the second part:
Q: The International Court of Justice delivered its interim ruling on Friday over the Gaza genocide case that was filed by South Africa against the Zionist regime. Please give your comments on this decision.
A: First of all, I mean, as South Africa, we did not go around the world to converse support for the case. We did not go around the world to converse support for the case. This was an issue that was discussed in South Africa, in cabinet. The cabinet deliberated on this issue and the cabinet took a decision that we should approach the ICJ to bring this case. But after we filed the case in the ICJ, obviously many other countries came forward expressing support for the cause of action that we have taken. And in fact, many countries, the OIC and everybody else expressed their support. I do know that countries like Malaysia and others have indicated that they will consider joining the case when it goes forward.
Because you will recall that at this moment, the court is not being asked to decide the cause of action that we have taken. And in fact, many countries, the OIC and everybody else expressed their support. But after we filed the case in the ICJ, obviously many other countries, whether Israel has committed or is committing genocide as we speak right now, the court was simply asked to consider all the evidence that we put before it in order for the court to decide that whatever Israel is doing, these actions could fall within the definition of genocide.
And if that is the case, and we believe that what Israel is doing there fits neatly the definition of genocide as stipulated in the convention, and we want the court in accordance with the rules of court as well as the relevant provisions of the statute of the court to indicate provisional measures that should be in place essentially to stop what is going on. But the case of genocide, I think it will still be decided. I don't know, some people say it might take a year or two or so. And we think that probably during that time, there will be more countries that will be joining the process. And we believe that there will be more countries joining us and supporting the merits of our case, as other countries, the partners of Israel have also done. And we believe that there will be more also indicated. I think it was Germany that came forward to say, we as Germany will want to join the ICJ case on the side of Israel. And I think the very kind gesture that Parliament in this case has shown to our president is a very good indication of, I guess, the support that the that we enjoy and we believe that probably going forward there will be more countries joining in the case to argue the merits of the case going forward.
Even though, as I say, that is not the main issue that we approve, but I think it will be very significant if the court were to come with provisional measures that are very clear. For instance, directing that Israel stop the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza, stop displacing people, allow humanitarian aid to come in and take measures that will ensure that these genocidal acts are stopped. So that will be a huge boost because if these provisional measures are granted, they will be granted on the basis of the evidence that is there. And I think it will be very difficult for anybody to argue that no genocide is taking place there. Because as I say, I mean, the actions that we, the Israel armed forces, for instance, have perpetrated, in Gaza are consistent with the genocidal statements that were made. And I will be very surprised if the court does not indicate some measures that could bring a stop to what is going on right now. And going forward, I think we have a strong case on the merits. And that a year later or two, that the verdict will be in favor of South Africa in this case.
Q: The Gaza war has influenced many people around the world, especially in Western countries. For example, a young girl, who has recently converted to Islam, posted a video of herself on her account on social media. She said: "It is not us who help Palestine, it is Palestine that helps us to wake up.” What is your opinion on that?
A: I think in the history of, in the last, I don't know, 70 or 80 years, this is the first time that the world witnesses, genocide taking place in full view of the world. I think this is the first time that that has happened. And this has been accompanied by untold brutality by Israel against the Palestinians. And everything is caught on camera. Not only... Not only mainstream, cameras, but social media.
So, the genocide that is unfolding now in Gaza is right on in our social media, on our phones and we are seeing it live. And I think this has shocked the world. And for the first time, the world is beginning to realize exactly what is it that is going on in the world, in Palestine and Gaza in particular.
And people are waking up to the reality of the occupation that has been there for over 75 years. And probably this is a wake-up call, really, because the Palestinians have always been under this type of a system and the Palestinians have always been resisting this occupation.
And for the first time, we are given a wake-up call to really see what the truth is.
And that was an important outcome, I would say, of the developments in Gaza. It is still a few people, it is still a few numbers of students, but it is a significant development. Because it means that somewhere, somehow, the truth is beginning to be revealed. And, you know, they say that Buddhists say there are two things in life that can never remain hidden forever. The first one is the moon. The second one is the truth.
And in this case of Gaza and Palestine as a whole, the truth is coming out.
And when these activists say the kind of things that they are saying in social media, or on the streets, in the capitals of the world, it is the truth. It is a wake-up call.
And we hope that that wake-up call is not only limited to ordinary civilians, that governments will wake up to that as well.
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