Lamola confident SA presented ‘compelling’ argument at ICJ

South Africa wants the ICJ to declare Israel's war on Gaza a genocide and order an immediate ceasefire.

The court heard there was an urgent need to declare an end to the bombardment of the territory to prevent irreparable harm.

Six legal representatives argued before a panel of judges why our government believes Israel's actions are genocidal.

Irish lawyer, Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, made the closing argument for South Africa. 

ALSO READ: SA’s case against Israel described as ‘bold, proactive’

"This is a population that is already made vulnerable through 16 military blockades and crippling development. Today, Israel's hindrances to the import of food and essential items have brought Gaza to the brink of summon."

"With adults, mothers, brothers regularly forgoing food for the day, so that children can eat at least something."      

Minister Lamola addressed a press conference outside the Peace Palace in the Hague, saying South Africa taking the matter to the UN is not playing politics.

"I think it would insult the court, to say the court granting us an opportunity to present our compelling case that all of you have seen siding international law, provided fact, and sighting the relevant article of the convention. Article one of the conventions and a number of US conventions that the court has been presented with, so we presented a compelling legal argument."

"This is not politics; we are expecting the court to pronounce on the facts and on the law."   

A reporter also asked the Minister if South Africa is the legal arm of militant group Hamas, as claimed by Israel. 

"We are not presenting any case on behalf of Hamas, so that statement is baseless; that statement has no merit. We do not have any mandate from Hamas; our mandate is from the South African government, and our case is not against the Jews as a people; our case is against the actions of the state of Israel."     

Israel’s oral arguments will be heard on Friday.