Israel has accused South Africa of acting as "the legal arm of Hamas" after South Africa once again petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to take measures against Israel. In response, South Africa's government spokesperson dismissed the accusation.
Israel's foreign ministry stated, "South Africa continues to act as the legal arm of Hamas in an attempt to undermine Israel’s inherent right to defend itself and its citizens, and to release all of the hostages." The ministry further criticized South Africa's repeated requests for provisional measures at the ICJ, labeling them as a "cynical exploitation" of the court.
Clayson Monyela, a spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, refuted Israel's claims, stating, "It is absurd to keep saying that South Africa is acting on behalf of Hamas." Monyela emphasized that South Africa's concerns were clearly outlined in its application to the ICJ.
South Africa's latest move comes after it previously asked the World Court in January to declare that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. While the court did not issue such a declaration, it ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide. Now, South Africa seeks further action against Israel, alleging breaches of existing measures and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israel's foreign ministry stated, "South Africa continues to act as the legal arm of Hamas in an attempt to undermine Israel’s inherent right to defend itself and its citizens, and to release all of the hostages." The ministry further criticized South Africa's repeated requests for provisional measures at the ICJ, labeling them as a "cynical exploitation" of the court.
Clayson Monyela, a spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, refuted Israel's claims, stating, "It is absurd to keep saying that South Africa is acting on behalf of Hamas." Monyela emphasized that South Africa's concerns were clearly outlined in its application to the ICJ.
South Africa's latest move comes after it previously asked the World Court in January to declare that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. While the court did not issue such a declaration, it ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide. Now, South Africa seeks further action against Israel, alleging breaches of existing measures and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
