Indonesia Supports South Africa in ICJ Case Against Israel Over Alleged Genocide
Indonesia has voiced its support for South Africa against Israel at the ICJ, where South Africa has filed a war crimes case alleging genocide committed in Gaza. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will deliver an oral statement at the ICJ on behalf of Indonesia, despite the nation not being a party to the 1948 Genocide Convention. The UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding the situation in Palestinian territories, with escalating casualties reported in Gaza following military actions by Israel.
On Wednesday, Indonesia reaffirmed its support for South Africa in its ongoing legal efforts against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is set to commence hearings on a war crimes case concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will present an oral statement at the ICJ on February 19, as part of South Africa’s case alleging genocide against the Palestinian territories. Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, articulated the nation’s position by stating, “Morally and politically, Indonesia fully supports South Africa’s initiative to push the ICJ to react to the alleged genocide in Gaza.” While supporting South Africa’s lawsuit, Iqbal also noted that Indonesia cannot participate directly in the proceedings because it is not a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention. Marsudi’s forthcoming address will advocate for the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion as requested by the United Nations General Assembly, which last month sought clarification on the legal implications of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The legal action, filed by South Africa on December 29, centers on allegations of violations of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, a claim stemming from Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on October 7. The situation in Gaza has been dire, with reports indicating that at least 23,210 Palestinians have been killed and over 59,167 injured, predominantly among women and children, as a result of the ongoing conflict. In contrast, Israeli casualties from the initial Hamas assault are estimated at approximately 1,200 individuals. The destruction wrought by Israel’s military actions has severely compromised Gaza’s infrastructure, rendering 60% of it damaged or destroyed and displacing nearly 2 million residents amid severe shortages of essential supplies such as food and medicine. International responses have included backing from other nations like Türkiye, Bolivia, and Malaysia, along with a supportive statement from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which urged the ICJ to act swiftly to address the alleged genocide committed by Israeli forces.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is tasked with adjudicating disputes between states based on international law. The current case, initiated by South Africa against Israel, stems from the recent conflict in Gaza, which has drawn widespread condemnation and accusations of war crimes and genocide against Israel for its military actions in the region. The background intricacies include the 1948 Genocide Convention, which delineates the legal definitions and responsibilities concerning the prevention and punishment of genocide, and South Africa’s recent legal endeavors seeking justice for actions taken against civilians in Gaza during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s formal affirmation of support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel signals significant diplomatic alignment and humanitarian advocacy on the part of Jakarta. While Indonesia’s non-party status to the 1948 Genocide Convention limits its involvement in the lawsuit, it remains committed to moral and political backing, underscoring the broader international call to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The forthcoming hearings at the ICJ represent an important avenue for addressing these serious allegations and seeking accountability.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
