President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in the country’s legal team ahead of today’s court battle against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

SA last month filed an urgent case against Israel at The Hague, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. 

Its application has been compiled by leading human rights lawyers and international law experts and includes references to dozens of UN reports and investigations on the dire situation in Gaza.

South Africa's 84-page application details alleged atrocities committed by the Israel Defence Forces against the civilians of Gaza, of which more than 23 000 people have been killed and more than 50 000 wounded.

SA’s delegation will include DG in the Presidency Phindile Baleni, International Relations DG Zane Dangor and Justice DG Doc Mashabane. Presidential adviser Nokukhanya Jele will round out the group.

The SA contingent is also expected to be joined by former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn – who on Monday pleaded with the UK Government in the House of Commons to support SA’s case.

The Star reports that Department of International Relations & Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Clayson Monyela has verified that the significant legal proceeding has garnered global attention.‘ Add #Venezuela, #Maldives & over 900 global movements, unions, political parties and organisations to the list.

Senior leaders & politicians in Spain, Israel, Belgium, etc have also publicly declared their support for SA’s case at the ICJ against Israel.

‘Over 900 movements, unions, political parties and other organisations are calling on states to support SA’s ICJ case against Israel,’ Monyela tweeted.

Full report in The Star