Ireland’s main opposition leader says his country should join South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel over military attacks in the Gaza Strip.
South Africa filed a lawsuit in the United Nations’ highest court on Friday, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and asking the court to order Israel to stop its attacks.
South Africa’s submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) says that acts and omissions by Israel “destroy the Palestinian people of the Gaza Strip as part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and social framework.” It claims the attack was intentional and “has a genocidal character.” ethnic group.”
It also asks the Hague-based court to issue an interim order forcing Israel to immediately cease military operations in Gaza. A hearing on the request will likely occur in the coming days or weeks.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Israel “must be held to account” and Taoist Leo Varadkar said “we need to act now”.
“In initiating proceedings before the International Court of Justice, South Africa has shown the leadership and solidarity needed from the entire international community to end Israel’s bombing of Gaza,” Ms MacDonald said.
“What is happening in Gaza is truly a catastrophe. Globally, more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, another 10,000 are missing, and 2 million people have been displaced. ing.
“This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, and we simply cannot allow it to continue.
“There needs to be a ceasefire, there needs to be sanctions, and Israel needs to be held accountable.
“Irish people now need to act on behalf of the Irish people.
“I call on Leo Varadkar to commit to South Africa’s participation in the ICJ proceedings against Israel for violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crimes of Genocide in relation to Palestinians in Gaza.
“Only by such actions, and only by exhausting all means available to world leaders, can Israel bring an end to the bombing of Gaza, the slaughter of civilians and children, and the mass displacement of entire populations. will be possible.
“World leaders must work together in one voice to ensure that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government are held accountable for their reprehensible actions at the ICJ.”
The South African case is the first challenge brought in court over the current war, and Israel summarily rejected the challenge “with disgust.”
South Africa can sue under the Genocide Convention because both South Africa and Israel are signatories to the Convention.