Corbyn: 'Israel' needs to be held accountable for genocide in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jan 2024 13:51
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Corbyn expresses support for South Africa's initiative to take Israeli atrocities in Gaza to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling on the UK government to support the initiative.

Former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks during a protest, outside the gates of Downing Street, against the increase of the cost of living, in London, Saturday, April 2, 2022. (AP)

In a strongly worded speech delivered in the British Parliament on Monday, Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the Labour Party, called upon the UK government to back South Africa's genocide case against the Israeli occupation.

Corbyn emphasized the urgent need for accountability as he drew attention to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians who have endured savage attacks by "Israel" since October 7.

"People are dying of starvation and thirst in the Gaza Strip. Cannot the government understand the anger around the world when they watch this happening in real-time?" Corbyn questioned passionately.

Additionally, Corbyn highlighted the devastating consequences, particularly the spiking death toll of children due to a severe lack of medical care and food security.

Corbyn expressed his support for South Africa's initiative to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"So many people are very pleased that the government of South Africa has taken an initiative in going to the International Court of Justice in order to hold Israel to account for the deaths of so many wholly innocent people in Gaza. Cannot the government understand that and at least support South Africa's process?"

'Israel' faces uphill battle on genocide charges at ICJ: Politico

Last week, a report by Politico detailed the challenges that the Israeli regime may face on the genocide charges that were filed against it by South Africa at the Hague.

This plea followed a series of contentious public remarks by hard-liners hinting at the annexation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians.

These comments, including Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter's characterization of the war as "Gaza’s Nakba," have complicated "Israel's" argument before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ill-judged remarks have had serious repercussions on "Israel's" standing with Western allies, which is already uneasy about the war's course and civilian casualties as it touches their self-proclaimed image.

These statements made it challenging to deflect calls from Western nations to alleviate the plight of Gaza's civilians, potentially straining support for the aggression on Gaza.

South Africa seeks an urgent interim order from the ICJ, declaring "Israel" in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

While the full ICJ proceedings will likely extend beyond the Gaza war, Israeli officials fear the court might issue a temporary injunction akin to the one against Russia, prompting efforts to avoid such an outcome.