HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague witnessed the commencement of hearings in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel over its military actions in the Gaza Strip. The legal delegation from South Africa urged the top UN court to issue an injunction, demanding an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Prominent figures, including Jean-Luc Melenchon, a leading left-wing figure in France, attended the proceedings. Melenchon, addressing the gathered audience in a news conference outside the court, described the hearing as a historic moment in the face of Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
“We are living the return of humanity,” stated Melenchon, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for international law to prevail. He expressed concern over major countries remaining silent in the face of the crisis and commended South Africa’s initiative in pursuing legal action.
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Melenchon underscored the importance of the ICJ trial, acknowledging that it might take time but emphasizing the necessity of upholding the rule of law. He praised the South African legal team for presenting a case based on well-documented facts and expressed hope that a verdict from the court would have far-reaching political and legal implications.
The French politician highlighted the urgency of addressing the situation in Gaza, referring to it as an “irreparable massacre.” He drew parallels with previous ICJ rulings on cases involving genocide, citing the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar as an example.
Melenchon concluded by stating that the ICJ’s proceedings were a victory for humanity against the “law of the strongest,” emphasizing the need to condemn all war crimes and hold countries accountable for their commitments to international agreements. The ongoing trial marks a crucial chapter in the pursuit of justice and accountability on the global stage.
