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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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South Africa requests UN court order for suspension of Israel’s military operation in Gaza

According to Vaughan Lowe, many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, have recently emphasized the need to halt military operations

THE HAGUE, January 11. /TASS/. South Africa has requested an order for the immediate suspension of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, British barrister Vaughan Lowe said at a hearing at the International Court of Justice.

"Palestinians face death from continuing bombardments and shootings, and death from starvation and disease," he pointed out. According to Lowe, many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, have recently emphasized the need to halt military operations. "That is why South Africa has requested an order for the immediate suspension of Israel’s military operations in and against Gaza. It is the only way to secure the humanitarian response and avoid yet more unnecessary death and destruction," Low stressed.

In addition, the South African side said that the court should order Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocide against the Palestinian population, as well as incitement, conspiracy, attempt and facilitation of genocide.

Speaking before the hearing, South African Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola said that his country "unequivocally condemned the targeting of civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups and the taking of hostages on October 7, 2023." "However, no armed attacks, including those in which the most serious international crimes are committed, can justify or excuse a violation of the Genocide Convention," he said. "This is the spirit in which we approach this Court," the minister pointed out.

According to Lamola, however, "the violence and destruction in Palestine and Israel did not begin on October 7, 2023." "The Palestinians have experienced systemic oppression and violence for the last 76 years," he emphasized. "In Gaza, at least since 2005, Israel continues to exercise control over the airspace, territorial waters, land crossings, water, electricity and civilian infrastructure, as well as over key governmental functions. Entry and exit by air and sea to Gaza is strictly prohibited with Israel operating the only two crossing points," he noted.

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South Africa Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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