- SVG SUPPORT’S SOUTH AFRICA’S CASE AGAINST ISRAEL AT THE ICJ ON GENOCIDE IN GAZA
On December 29, 2023, the Republic of South Africa filed a complaint in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the State of Israel under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948.
The particulars of the complaint relate to certain acts carried out by the government and military of the State of Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The acts in the complaint occurred during the 93 days of sustained state violence against children, women, and innocent civilians; the destruction of hospitals, schools, houses, and civilian facilities; and the intentional usage of starvation, and deprivation of water, medicine, electricity, and all other vital means of life.
Accordingly, South Africa is urging the ICJ to make relevant Orders under the Provisional Measures of Court to stop the Israeli aggression, and to prevent any further acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza strip.
The ICJ has set the dates of January 11th and 12th, 2024 for oral arguments by South Africa and Israel respectively on the complaint and issues raised therein. Among other things, South Africa is pleading for an immediate cease fire by Israel.
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines unequivocally supports the initiative of South Africa, and again reiterates the just demand for a cease fire. International law and elemental humanity ought to prevail over barbarism, genocide, and a wanton abuse of military might.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines also calls for a cessation of material support and succour for Israel in Gaza provided by some governments. Those who continue to do so are complicit in genocide before our very eyes.
