Graca Machel: SA led a courageous fight

Human Rights Activist, Graca Machel and the Nelson Mandela Foundation have called on the international community to give effect to the rulings made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, 26 January.

Machel and the foundation also thanked South Africa’s legal team that presented South Africa’s case at The Hague, adding that the team did a sterling job. Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the ICJ ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in the strip.

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‘SOUTH AFRICA HAD LED A COURAGEOUS FIGHT TO HOLD THE STATE OF ISRAEL ACCOUNTABLE’ SAYS GRACA MACHEL

“We call on the international community to give effect to the rulings made by the ICJ. Global solidarity at this time is critical to uphold international law,” said the foundation, according to the Independent Online.

Machel said South Africa had led a courageous fight to hold the State of Israel accountable for what was going on in Palestine. She added that this matter would not have landed in the ICJ if South Africa had not taken it up with the UN top court.

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‘LEGAL TEAM HAVE ELEVATED OUR COUNTRY TO THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF MORAL STANDING’

“I join millions around the world in saluting with pride and gratitude the courageous leadership demonstrated by South Africa in holding Israel to account for the crime of genocide at the International Court of Justice.”

“The fearlessness of the ANC and the South African government and the brilliance of our legal team have elevated our country to the highest levels of moral standing. History will always recognise South Africa’s singular leadership in doing what no other country was prepared to do,” Machel said.

ALSO READ: Genocide Case: ICJ order on provisional measures to be delivered Friday

LEGISLATURE PASSES MOTION FOR CLOSURE OF ISRAEL EMBASSY

The foundation also said this was only possible with the help of government officials. The government brought the application on 29 December, which was heard in early January.

South Africa’s national legislature also passed a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy. Bolivia was the first country to shut down the Israeli embassy last year.