SA ‘distorts’ ICJ ruling

CLARIFYING: IT DIDN’T ORDER GAZA CEASEFIRE – SA ZIONIST FEDERATION International relations department claims Israel is defying world court.

The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) says the ANC government continues to misinterpret the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which rejected a demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, to protect its ally Hamas.

The SAZF was responding to the department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) warning to Israel that if it continues its relentless bombing of Gaza, it will consider further legal action against Israel at the ICJ for another provisional measure to stop the attacks.

At least 63 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and sea attacks on Rafah’s border with Egypt on Sunday night, according to the ministry of health in Gaza.

Dirco director-general Zane Dangor said despite the ICJ ruling, which ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, the country continues to defy the world court’s order.

“We are hoping that even the Security Council will intervene in the next few days,” Dangor said.

SAZF spokesperson Rolene

Marks said government is misinterpreting the ICJ ruling.

“It is doing so to protect its allies, including Hamas, in the region who are proxies of Iran. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have destroyed 18 Hamas battalions based in Gaza. However, four Hamas battalions remain in Rafah.

“Intense activity that is to follow in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat.

“Therefore, the Israeli government has ordered the IDF and the security establishment to submit a combined plan to the Cabinet for evacuating the population and to destroy the battalions.

“Two hostages held in Rafah were rescued by Israeli forces, which underscores the need to enter this area.”

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has persisted despite a United Nations court order to end “plausible acts of genocide in the enclave”.

South Africa approached the ICJ seeking several orders, including for Israel to immediately suspend its Gaza offensive; to stop forced displacement; to enable humanitarian access to thousands of displaced Palestinians; and to preserve evidence.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ demand for a ceasefire, going against the hopes of the US for a ceasefire.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, said US pressure has not dissuaded Netanyahu. –