The Hague, Netherlands – Professor Vaughan Lowe, leading South Africa’s legal team against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), delivered a powerful indictment on Thursday, declaring that “nothing can ever justify genocide.” His impassioned plea urged the court to intervene immediately and halt Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
South Africa’s case hinges on the accusation that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, violating the Genocide Convention. Lowe argued that the scale of destruction, deliberate restrictions on essential supplies, and targeting of a specific group—the Palestinians of Gaza—meet the legal definition of the crime.
“No matter how great the threat to Israeli security may be,” Lowe asserted, “genocidal attacks on the whole of Gaza and its population with the intent of destroying them cannot be justified.” He emphasized that the absolute prohibition on genocide cannot be compromised under any circumstances, and the ICJ cannot remain silent in the face of such grave accusations.
[WATCH] Justice Minister Ronald Lamola rubbishes claims that South Africa is acting as a legal arm of Hamas. He says those claims are baseless and have no merit.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Ble8yxYd5E
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 11, 2024Lowe further challenged Israel’s claim of self-defense under the UN Charter, stating that the ongoing offensive falls outside its scope. He argued that Israel’s actions are driven by its occupation of Gaza, and the use of force against an entire population is never permissible under international law.
Furthermore, Lowe clarified that South Africa’s legal action targets the Israeli government, not the Jewish people or Israeli citizens. He stated, “The government of Israel and its military is intent on destroying the Palestinians of Gaza as a group and is doing nothing to prevent or punish the actions of others who support that aim.”
With oral arguments from South Africa concluded, the pressure rests on the ICJ to take decisive action. Israel will present its defense on Friday, but the urgency of South Africa’s plea hangs heavy in the air.