South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that he “has never felt as proud as he feels today,” commenting on his country’s filing of a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
In a speech before the African National Congress, Ramaphosa explained that his country’s goal in opening a lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice is to stop the genocide in the Gaza Strip.
He added, “While our lawyers were pleading our case in The Hague, I have never felt the pride I feel today as I see Ronald Lamola, a son of this land, pleading our case in court.”
Regarding what his country might be exposed to because of the issue, President Ramaphosa explained, “The step we took is risky. We are a small country and have a small economy. They may attack us, but we will remain committed to our principles.”
“We will not be truly free unless the Palestinian people are also liberated,” he said.
The International Court of Justice has begun hearing South Africa’s plea in its claim against Israel for committing genocide crimes against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and will hear Israel’s plea today, Friday.
On December 29, South Africa submitted an 84-page lawsuit, presenting evidence that Israel – the occupying power – violated its obligations under the United Nations Charter, and its involvement in committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.