By Johnathan Paoli
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has warned that the post-World War Two international legal order is “under severe attack,” citing Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza as a test case for the survival of international law.
Lamola also urged all global stakeholders who uphold international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter to unite in defense of the rule of law.
Briefing a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Wednesday, Lamola gave a detailed update on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as progress in preparations to host the G20 Summit in November.
“Should we stand back and remain silent when innocent civilians are killed or starved right before our eyes? A different question is where does impunity end, who should ensure that there is no exceptionalism, and are all of us equal before the law? Should we accept a world where it is acceptable for over 60,000 people to be indiscriminately killed in our eyes and in real time, vividly clear to everyone across the globe?” Lamola asked.
Lamola reminded MPs that South Africa had instituted proceedings before the ICJ on 29 December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks.
South Africa also sought urgent provisional measures to halt the bombardment.
The minister stressed that South Africa acted not out of political opportunism but in line with its obligations under Article 9 of the Genocide Convention.
Lamola quoted Archbishop Thabo Makgoba’s recent intervention highlighting the work of South African United Nations Special Rapporteur Tlaleng Mofokeng, who coined the term “medicide” to describe the systematic destruction of Gaza’s health system.
Independent reports by Israeli organisations B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel have affirmed these findings.
South Africa’s Ambassador to The Hague, Vusi Madonsela, has framed the case within the broader context of colonial denialism.
“This denial of the genocide and atrocities by Israel, and the tacit condonation of these acts, have led to the questioning of whether Palestinian lives matter less than other lives,” he said.
Lamola insisted that the outcome of the ICJ case will have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East.
“Inaction in so far as the conflict is concerned has a direct impact on how international law and humanitarian law are applied across the globe in all conflicts that affect people,” he said.
The minister confirmed that South Africa condemns Israel’s recent strike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted a civilian residence alleged to have links to Hamas.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the attack violated international law and breached Qatar’s sovereignty.
“The South African government unequivocally condemns the illegal and unprovoked attack carried out by the IDF in Doha, Qatar, which targeted a civilian building in a residential area,” Phiri said.
Pretoria reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire to enable negotiations for peace.
Lamola said South Africa would continue to act within international governance structures to protect fundamental rights in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other conflict zones.
Pretoria has also co-chaired meetings of the Hague Group, alongside Colombia, to rally states in support of ending Israel’s occupation and advancing Palestinian self-determination.
Turning to domestic responsibilities, Lamola assured MPs that South Africa is on track to host the G20 Summit in November.
He was joined by DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor and G20 Sous Sherpa Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, who briefed the committees on logistical and diplomatic preparations.
The minister stressed that hosting the summit offers South Africa an opportunity to reinforce multilateralism and to place African priorities firmly on the global agenda.
Issues such as climate change, debt restructuring, sustainable development and reform of international financial institutions are expected to feature prominently.
In closing, Lamola underscored that South Africa’s position is grounded in its constitutional values and commitment to global justice; and reiterated Pretoria’s call for a two-state solution: an independent Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.
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