Corbyn to join S.Africa's delegation at ICJ against Israeli genocide
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The South African justice ministry reported that Corbyn was one of many “senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe” who will join the South African delegation.
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Former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (C) joins protesters with placards and flags taking part in the 'National March For Palestine' in central London on November 11, 2023 (AFP)
The South African government has announced that former U.K. opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will accompany a South African team to this week's proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the country demands Israel" of genocide against Palestinians during the war on Gaza.
The South African justice ministry reported that Corbyn was one of many “senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe” who will be joining the delegation at the Hague for hearings which begin Thursday.
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 ICJ.
Every day, another unspeakable atrocity is committed in Gaza.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) January 8, 2024
Millions of people around the world support South Africa's efforts to hold Israel to account. Why can't our government? pic.twitter.com/CZuw530pEL
Read more: US denies genocide in Gaza, calls S.Africa ICJ case unproductive
South Africa's delegation will be led by Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola, and it will include top officials from President Cyril Ramaphosa's office and the Ministry of Justice, according to a Justice Ministry statement.
Lamola expressed that South Africa was "determined" to see the genocide come to an end while Justice Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri made a video statement while sporting a Palestinian Keffiyeh scarf.
'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.
