South Africa Argues Israel Responsible For Apartheid At UN

Riyad Al-Maliki, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian National Authority, center, gives a statement outside the Peace Palace after the United Nations' highest court opened historic hearings,

South Africa presented arguments at the International Court of Justice asserting that Israel is accountable for apartheid against the Palestinians. The country claimed that Israel's occupation of land intended for a Palestinian state is inherently illegal. These statements were made during hearings initiated by the General Assembly to seek a non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's policies in the occupied territories.

South Africa emphasized its commitment to calling out and ending apartheid practices wherever they occur. On the other hand, Israel refutes allegations of apartheid and typically views U.N. bodies and international tribunals as biased against it. Israel did not make a statement during the hearings.

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek these areas for an independent state, while Israel considers the West Bank disputed territory. Israel has constructed settlements across the West Bank, which are widely regarded as illegal by the international community.

The Palestinians argue that Israel's ongoing military occupation violates the prohibition on territorial conquest and their right to self-determination. They claim that Israel has imposed a system of racial discrimination and apartheid. The hearings at the International Court of Justice are expected to continue for several days, with various nations and organizations scheduled to address the court.

Israel captured West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza in 1967.

South Africa claims Israel's occupation of Palestinian land is illegal.

Palestinians seek these areas for an independent state.

Israel views West Bank as disputed territory and builds settlements there.

South Africa and the Palestinians have drawn parallels between Israel's policies and South Africa's history under apartheid rule. South Africa has a history of supporting the Palestinian cause and has previously accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel strongly rejected these allegations, stating that it is fighting a war it did not initiate.

While a final ruling in the case regarding Israel's actions in Gaza may be years away, the court has issued a preliminary order for Israel to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in its campaign in Gaza.

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