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.