Indonesia has pledged support to South Africa in its ICJ case against Israel regarding alleged genocide in Gaza. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will deliver a statement urging the ICJ for an advisory opinion as requested by the UN General Assembly. Indonesia’s involvement is limited due to its non-participation in the 1948 Genocide Convention, though it stands morally behind South Africa’s initiatives alongside support from other nations.
On Wednesday, Indonesia publicly declared its support for South Africa in its legal battle against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ is set to commence hearings on a war crimes case initiated by South Africa against Israel, addressing allegations of genocide in Gaza. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, is scheduled to present an oral statement at the ICJ on February 19 as part of this case. Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, spokesman for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, articulated that Indonesia’s backing of South Africa’s initiative is grounded in moral and political considerations. However, he noted that Indonesia cannot participate in the lawsuit itself because the country is not a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention. Minister Marsudi’s forthcoming statement will urge the ICJ to offer an advisory opinion as requested by the United Nations General Assembly. This plea comes in the wake of the UN General Assembly’s call for the ICJ to address the legal implications and consequences of Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. South Africa formally filed this lawsuit on December 29, asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 7 constitute violations of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and is seeking an injunction against these actions. The ICJ hearings are scheduled to occur at The Hague beginning this Thursday. Other nations, including Türkiye, Bolivia, and Malaysia, have expressed their support for South Africa’s case. Additionally, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the second largest multinational coalition, endorsed the lawsuit and called for the ICJ’s immediate response and urgent measures to end the alleged genocide perpetrated by Israeli armed forces in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians has sparked widespread international concern, particularly regarding allegations of human rights violations and potential war crimes. The conflict has escalated significantly since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. In light of these events, South Africa initiated proceedings at the ICJ, claiming that Israel’s military actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention. This case has gained traction global attention and support from various countries and organizations, prompting discussions about international humanitarian law and justice for victims.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s endorsement of South Africa against Israel at the ICJ marks a notable stance in the international dialogue surrounding the Gaza conflict. While Indonesia cannot partake in the legal proceedings due to its non-signatory status to the Genocide Convention, its moral and political support highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the case. As the hearings commence, the international community watches closely, particularly in light of the humanitarian crises reportedly resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
