Cape Town, South Africa (AP) — Over 50 nations back South Africa's UN court accusation, claiming Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The U.S. vehemently rejects the allegation, challenging it as a violation of the UN Genocide Convention. Others remain notably silent.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague heard the landmark case Thursday and Friday. The global response highlights the enduring, 75-year-old Israel-Palestine conflict, with Sunday marking the 100th day of their deadliest-ever clash.
South Africa's case finds strongest support from Arab and African nations. Within Europe, sole endorsement comes from Turkey, a Muslim nation.
Western nations unanimously deny backing South Africa's Israel allegations. The U.S., an Israeli ally, dismisses them; the U.K. deems them unjustified, while Germany explicitly rejects.
China, Russia remain notably silent on this significant international case. The European Union refrains from commenting.
US: ‘MERITLESS’ ALLEGATIONS
Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, deems South Africa's allegations "meritless," calling the case a distraction from resolving the conflict. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby cautions against using "genocide" lightly, asserting it doesn't apply in this context.
U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron opposes South Africa's actions. Israel vehemently denies genocide allegations, citing self-defense against Hamas, which initiated conflict, causing civilian casualties. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken finds the case offensive, given Hamas' calls for Israel's annihilation. The U.S., U.K., and EU classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israel's military response in Gaza, per Gaza's Health Ministry, reports 23,000 Palestinian deaths, with a majority being women and children. Northern Gaza faces severe damage from Israeli airstrikes.
South Africa condemns Hamas' Oct. 7 attack but contends it doesn't warrant Israel's subsequent response, maintaining a critical stance.
GERMAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
Germany's Friday support for Israel, on the hearings' closure, carries symbolic weight, considering its Holocaust history. German spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit emphasizes Israel's self-defense, referencing the Holocaust and the genesis of the U.N. Genocide Convention in 1948. Given Germany's history, he staunchly rejects the "completely unfounded" allegations against Israel.
Germany plans to intervene on behalf of Israel in the case. The EU emphasizes the right of nations to present cases at the U.N. court; its member states largely remain neutral. In the midst of this, Turkey, in the EU accession process, stands as a solitary voice. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserts Turkey's contribution of incriminating documents against Israel, foreseeing condemnation based on this evidence.
ARAB CONDEMNATION
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation swiftly endorsed South Africa's case, decrying "mass genocide" by Israeli defense forces and accusing Israel of "indiscriminate targeting" in Gaza. This bloc, consisting of 57 nations, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, stood firm. The Arab League, based in Cairo and comprising 22 nations, most OIC members, also supported South Africa.
Beyond the Arab world, Namibia and Pakistan aligned with the case in a recent U.N. General Assembly session, while Malaysia voiced solidarity, demanding "legal accountability for Israel's atrocities in Gaza." Namibian President Hage Geingob emphasized the global responsibility to address the devastating impact on Palestinians, denouncing the violence.
CHINA AND RUSSIA: SILENCE
China, Russia, and the rising influence of India have maintained a conspicuous silence on the inflammatory case. Faced with allegations of genocide themselves, these nations seem wary, understanding the potential risks to regional relationships. India, historically supportive of the Palestinian cause, took a unique stance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed early solidarity with Israel, labeling the Hamas attack as terrorism.
SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE
Several South American nations, including Brazil, the region's largest economy, voiced support for South Africa's case. Brazil's Foreign Ministry, citing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's endorsement, emphasized the necessity of a Gaza cease-fire without directly accusing Israel of genocide.
South Africa's case pursues a dual objective: labeling Israel's actions as genocide and securing an interim ruling for an immediate end to the Gaza military campaign. Brazil anticipates the case compelling Israel to promptly halt potential genocide-related actions.
While some countries refrain from fully endorsing South Africa's position, Irish Premier Leo Varadkar finds the genocide case less conclusive but expresses hope for a court-ordered Gaza cease-fire.
The uncertain prospect of Israel complying with any order to halt military actions echoes Russia's defiance of a similar court directive during its Ukraine invasion two years ago.
