In the last several months, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed due to the genocidal intent of the Israeli government. Major leaders of Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with the exception of Yemen, have turned a blind eye, not daring to subject themselves to the wrath of the Western military superpowers. In comparison with the lack of accountability taken by Arab countries to fight for the Palestinians, South Africa has not been afraid to display its courageous stance by addressing the issue on the international stage.
The top legal minds of South Africa were able to compile an 85 page document with evidence to the plethora of war crimes Israel has committed in the span of the past few months. Adila Hassim, member of the South African legal team, brought attention through the International Court of Justice to the atrocities being committed. She highlighted how no place in Gaza is shielded from the bombing, even routes declared so by the Israeli government. She continued by speaking of the collapsed healthcare system, the intentional destruction of hospitals, and the extreme difficulty that accompanies attempting to bring United Nations aid into the Gaza strip. Out of all the casualties in Palestine, 70% have been women and children. This highlights the clear intent of ethnic cleansing, for none of the women or children are involved in Hamas activities. Furthermore, reproductive violence is on the rise, and the starvation and dehydration occuring is weakening the population at unprecedented rates.
By accusing Israel of committing several violations to the genocide convention of 1948, South Africa has offered a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians. Only a few decades ago, South Africa went through a similar fight against a brutal apartheid, where Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress to a liberation and the first ever all race election. During this time, South Africa’s relationship with Palestine prospered, for Yasser Arafat, leader of the PLO, continuously offered his long-standing support for the liberation movement. Additionally, the Palestinian cause resonates with South Africans on an emotional level, for they understand the true pain that colonization and displacement causes. With 85% of the Palestinian population displaced and more than 355,000 homes destroyed, it is no question Israel should be charged with crimes against humanity.
Although Israeli officials have condemned the case and called it preposterous, the overwhelming amount of well-documented evidence presented by South Africa should convince the international court. In fact, Israel’s confidence has been shaken: After the second ICJ hearing, Israel cut the internet in Gaza for the seventh time since the start of the crisis.
The South African court’s exceptional testimony against Israel has encouraged countries across the world to show their support for Palestine. Despite the onerous conditions Palestinians have had to endure since the retaliation of the Israeli government, they have proved to be some of the most resilient people on the planet. The fight for a permanent ceasefire will continue until serious action and accountability is taken by Israel and the West.