Watan-Video footage has circulated documenting a warm reception for lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, a member of the legal team for South Africa, upon his return to the country after the first session in the case of genocide filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
These scenes were captured at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, showcasing the celebratory atmosphere for lawyer Ngcukaitobi. Dozens of people gathered, waving Palestinian flags.
Chants for freedom for Palestine echoed, accompanied by a noticeable spread of the Palestinian keffiyeh, worn by many in the crowd.
After hearing arguments from both Israel and South Africa, the International Court of Justice announced on Friday that it would commence deliberations on the case accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Anticipation for the International Court’s decision
The International Court of Justice affirmed that its decision would be announced in a public session, with the date to be disclosed in due course.
At the conclusion of the hearings, South Africa’s representative, Ambassador Vusimuzi Madonsela, submitted a request stating, “South Africa, as a party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, requests the Court, as a matter of utmost importance, pending the Court’s judgment in this case on the merits, to indicate the following provisional measures in relation to the Palestinian people as a group protected under the Genocide Convention.”
He further added, “These measures are directly linked to the rights that form the subject of the dispute between South Africa and Israel.”
Measures requested by South Africa
The measures requested by South Africa from the Court include the immediate cessation by Israel of its aggression against Gaza, as well as refraining from the forced evacuation and displacement of Palestinians from their homes, depriving them of access to sufficient food and water, and preventing them from receiving humanitarian assistance.
Additionally, Israel is urged to take effective measures to prevent destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.