THE denial of genocide by Israel has been echoed by the United States, leaving many under the spell of ignorance. I understand it's a challenge to perceive the truth when clouded by rose-tinted glasses and living in an abyss of ignorance with an overwhelming unawareness of the grim realities on the ground.
The genocidal actions of Israel are not mere allegations but are "embodied in state policies, evident in the emboldened actions of Israeli occupational forces on the frontlines, filming their destruction of entire neighbourhoods in Gaza, rummaging through the personal items of Palestinians, mocking Palestinians, and shockingly celebrating their demise.
As of Wednesday, 10 January, Israel has killed at least 23 357 people in Gaza, including 9 600 children - and injuring at least 59 410 more. In Israel, at least 1 139 people have been killed in Hamas' attack on 7 October and 8730 injured.
While some argue against South Africa's involvement in global politics, the nation rightfully stands for human rights, international law, and justice for the oppressed. During the dark days of Apartheid, where global intervention was critical, South Africa has a moral obligation to support the people of Palestine - a stark choice between humanity and the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians.
Even if you didn't watch South Africa's representation in its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel at The Hague on Thursday, 11 January, its 84-page application to the ICJ also outlines several utterances of genocidal intent by Israeli authorities. These statements have empowered Zionists to deny the fundamental rights of Palestinians and Arabs worldwide.
Quoting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, it becomes evident that the leadership is endorsing a ruthless approach. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's announcement of a complete siege on Gaza, with the intent to obliterate everything, raises serious concerns about the absence of humanitarian values.
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's call for a blow unseen in 50 years against Gaza further emphasises a disturbing narrative. The denial of aid to Gaza and subsequent insufficient assistance perpetuated a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving men, women, and children without essential resources. The injured were denied medical care as Israel indiscriminately bombed neighbourhoods and then hospitals and ambulances.
The devastating impact of Israel's bombing campaign is starkly illustrated by harrowing scenes of children collecting the slivers of flesh that remain of their loved ones amid the rubble with rotting corpses and skeletons littered across the streets. The deployment of massive bombs, as highlighted by advocate Adila Hassim, raises questions about the intention behind such indiscriminate attacks.
"Israel deployed 6 000 bombs per week. At least 200 times [Israel] has deployed 2 000 pounds bombs in southern areas of Palestine designated as safe. These bombs have also decimated the north, including refugee camps. 2 000 pounds are some of the biggest and most destructive bombs available," said Hassim, who is an advocate representing South Africa's case at The Hague.
It is inconceivable that a military with the most advanced capabilities cannot execute more targeted actions. The intentional devastation in Gaza hints at a sinister plan to erase Palestine and its people from the map.
In the face of such atrocities, the global community must reflect on its commitment to humanity. The plea is not just for condemnation but a call for decisive action against the genocidal acts unfolding in Palestine. It's time to shatter the silence and stand on the side of justice, compassion, and the preservation of human lives.
But what can the ICJ do about it?
If the court decided to implement interim measures, this would put a legal obligation on Israel to end its onslaught. But while the court's rulings are final, it has no authority to enforce them. It relies on UN member states to apply the decisions of the court under international law.
Article 94 of the United Nations Charter provides that "[each] member of the United Nations undertakes to comply with the decision of [the Court] in any case to which it is a party". If a country fails to heed its obligations under a judgment, the only remaining recourse is to turn to the Security Council which can vote on a resolution, per the UN Charter.
In the pursuit of compelling Israel to comply, the pathway to success may lie in sustained global pressure and disrupting the genocidal funding pipeline from the United States. The prospect of relying on Israel to independently make morally sound decisions appears increasingly optimistic, making the imperative for external intervention even more crucial.
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.
