Mohloai Mpesi
THE Basotho National Party (BNP) has commended neighbouring South Africa over its “bold step” in suing Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its war in Gaza.
In a letter signed by party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, and addressed to South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, the BNP lauded South Africa for its “rare step” in trying to compel Israel to halt its “barbaric genocidal war” in the Gaza strip.
The genocide case was heard last week by a panel of 15 ICJ judges who were joined by one judge from South Africa and another from Israel.
The ICJ, also called the World Court, is the United Nations’ legal body that adjudicates disputes between member states.
Israeli has been besieging the Gaza strip after Hamas, which governs the territory, launched an attack on the Jewish state on 7 October 2023 killing nearly 1 200 people, the biggest killing of Jews since the holocaust.
But Israeli’s response has drawn considerable condemnation with nearly 25 000 Palestinians killed in its retaliatory attacks on Gaza, prompting countries like South Africa to accuse it of committing genocide. South Africa decided to go to the ICJ to ask for provisional measures to halt the “genocide”.
The BNP has hailed the SA government’s move.
“This is a quick message to commend South Africa for bringing a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning allegations that Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinian people at a crucial time when Palestine as a State is struggling for its right to self-determination. Additionally, Palestinians in Gaza are facing serious atrocities with impunity.
“……Basotho National Party wishes to take this opportunity to applaud the ICJ for urgently hearing the matter. This is exemplary to the justice systems around the globe,” Mr Mofomobe’s letter read while imploring the ICJ to expeditiously rule on the matter.
“It is our desire to see ICJ urgently issuing provisional measures ordering Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza and to protect residents from acts of genocide.”
He also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to move quickly to probe the atrocities in Gaza and prosecute all responsible.
Lesotho is among countries that are supporting South Africa’s course of action.
Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, said Lesotho would soon release a statement of support through its New York embassy.
He said Lesotho stood with the Palestinians in their quest for an independent state.
