AS the ruthless killing and persecution of the natives in Gaza crossed the 100-day mark, the Palestinians kept looking at the super rich Middle Eastern countries for some kind of intervention, but that was not to be. Global bodies, including the United Nations, also failed to reign in Israel’s inhumanity. It was against such a bleak scenario that South Africa stepped forward to do what no other entity was even willing to do. The South African move to bring a case against Zionist Israel in the Interna-tional Court of Justice (ICJ) has proved that the country still adheres to the golden principles of Nelson Mandela.

In its presentation of the case before the ICJ judges, South Africa articulated the harrowing plight of Palestinians in Gaza who are trapped under siege, bombarded by continuous Israeli air strikes, and attacked by a deadly Israeli military ground invasion.

The legal team represtning South Africa presented the horrible conditions in Gaza caused by Israeli bombardment, including over 24,000 dead, and about 1.9 million displaced.

One of the advocates presenting South Africa’s case put forward five main genocidal acts that Israel must be penalised for; mass killing of Palesti-nians, bodily and mental harm, forced displacement and food blockade, destruction of the healthcare system, and prevention of Palestinian births.

The South African legal move has been criticised by Israel and its Western partners, which could only have been expected. Although the case against Israel may take years to culminate due to a strong lobby that is led by the United States at various international forums, the case presented by South Africa has humiliated Israel diplomatically.

South Africa deserves every applause that has come its way, and then some more, for having taken a stand that is repre- sentative of the will of the people of the civilised world.

The fact that the sentiments of the people are not shared by their respective governments is a reflection of the growing disconnect that is fast becoming a charac- teristic of modern governance systems across the world, including the West.

Zain ul Abidin Jessar
Larkana

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...