Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Hague, mentioned that the brand new proof offered by his nation strengthens the course of the genocide case he filed towards Israel on the Worldwide Court docket of Justice (ICJ).
Madonsela made evaluations to the AA correspondent concerning the developments within the genocide case filed by her nation towards Israel on the ICJ.
Stating that the brand new proof offered strengthens the course of the case, Madonsela famous that the principle petition and its annexes submitted to the ICJ on October 28 are 750 pages, whereas the supporting paperwork, info and paperwork exceed 4 thousand pages.
– “The proof is continually rising”
Madonsela emphasised that these paperwork include sturdy proof that Israel dedicated the crime of genocide in Gaza and mentioned, “In contrast to different genocide circumstances, this case offers with an ongoing genocide. Because of this, new paperwork and audiovisual supplies are added on daily basis. “The proof now we have is continually rising.” he mentioned.
Stating that the paperwork that may be added to the principle petition are restricted to 750 pages in accordance with the ICJ's new implementation directive, Madonsela mentioned, “Our important drawback was not the dearth of proof, however its extra. We carried out a meticulous research to pick out the proof that would show our case in one of the simplest ways. In our petition, we revealed the weather of the crime of genocide in keeping with the ideas of worldwide regulation and “We offered proof proving every factor.” he mentioned.
The Ambassador acknowledged that the proof consists of written paperwork, audio-visual supplies, sufferer statements, eyewitnesses and the statements of the medical personnel working on the scene, and added, “As well as, the stories of the United Nations establishments concerning what occurred within the subject are additionally among the many proof.” he mentioned.
– “Genocidal intent was clearly expressed”
Madonsela emphasised that they collected way more proof than the proof they submitted of their request for interim measures within the genocide case they filed towards Israel, and that the brand new proof they offered concerning the deserves of the case strengthened the justification of their case.
“It is vitally uncommon for genocidal intent to be so overtly expressed.” Madonsela underlined that officers from nearly each stage of the Israeli state, from cupboard members to members of parliament, from Israeli Protection Forces troopers to representatives of non-governmental organizations, have clearly expressed these intentions.
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Madonsela mentioned, “Particularly expressing the intention to depopulate Gaza so clearly is a crucial factor in proving our case.” made his evaluation.
– How will the method work within the genocide case on the ICJ?
Madonsela acknowledged that Israel can submit a preliminary objection concerning the courtroom's jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case till January 28, 2025.
Describing the process to be adopted in case of a preliminary objection, Madonsela mentioned, “The courtroom will consider these objections and resolve whether or not the case will proceed. If the courtroom decides in our favor, that’s, if it finds us proper when it comes to jurisdiction and admissibility, the case will transfer on to the subsequent stage.” he mentioned.
Madonsela defined two paths that Israel might observe:
“If Israel doesn’t submit a preliminary objection, it should submit its response petition by July 28, 2025, but when it information a preliminary objection and these objections are rejected, the 9-month response interval will start after the courtroom's resolution on the preliminary objections. This may push the submission date of the response petition additional.”
– “The variety of nations concerned within the case will improve”
Stating that many nations, together with Turkey and Palestine, have declared their involvement within the genocide case they filed towards Israel and supported South Africa, and that new involvements are anticipated, Madonsela mentioned, “Thus far, 10 nations have declared their involvement within the case of South Africa.” “The feedback of those nations concerning the genocide will assist the courtroom consider what occurred in Gaza.” he mentioned.
Explaining that many nations declared their intention to intervene within the case after South Africa submitted its important petition, the Ambassador mentioned, “We acquired written notification from many nations. They acknowledged that that they had determined to intervene. It’s now solely a matter of time for the interventions to happen.” he mentioned.
Madonsela mentioned, “International locations will be capable to intervene within the case till July 28, 2025, when Israel will submit its response petition.” he mentioned.
– Request for an arrest warrant on the ICC and the UK's intervention
Madonsela identified that the method of the Worldwide Prison Court docket (ICC) prosecutor's arrest request towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Protection Minister Yoav Gallant could also be extended as a result of UK's jurisdictional objection, and mentioned, “Britain's intervention within the prosecutor's software was an unprecedented state of affairs. Pre-Trial Chamber's “Giving Britain the precise to intervene opened the door for different social gathering states.” he mentioned.
Stating that South Africa additionally intervened within the jurisdictional course of following the intervention of the UK, Madonsela mentioned, “Different states, organizations and people additionally intervened. The courtroom has not but selected the written purposes.” he mentioned.
Madonsela mentioned, “It’s not but clear whether or not the courtroom will contemplate the arrest requests and what resolution it would make. We’re ready for the courtroom's assertion to seek out out precisely the place the method is.” he mentioned.
– “We have now hope that the worldwide system will work”
Stating that she has confidence within the worldwide judicial system to carry Israel accountable for the crime of genocide, Madonsela mentioned, “I can not predict what is going to occur, however I keep my hope that the worldwide system will work and Israel shall be held accountable on the Worldwide Court docket of Justice.” shared his opinion.
The Ambassador emphasised that people concerned within the crime of genocide must also be tried and mentioned, “Politicians and different people who inspired or instantly dedicated genocide will even be held accountable on the Worldwide Prison Court docket.” he mentioned.
