Africa (Commonwealth Union) _Former UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to join a South African delegation at the International Court of Justice, where the country accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
South Africa filed the case last month, alleging Israel’s intent to “destroy Palestinians in Gaza” and seeking a UN order to stop its attacks. Israel rejected the genocide allegations, expressing disgust, and pledged to defend itself at the court. Corbyn, known for his support of the Palestinian cause, joins other global political figures in the delegation for preliminary hearings starting Thursday.
Corbyn, with a history of antisemitism allegations during his Labour Party leadership, was suspended in 2020 after an equalities watchdog found party officials engaged in discriminatory acts against Jews under his leadership. He expressed support for South Africa’s case against Israel, criticizing the British government on Twitter for not holding Israel accountable for alleged atrocities in Gaza.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, affirmed Britain’s support for Israel in its response to Hamas’ attack in October 2023, dismissing South Africa’s case as meritless. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also rejected the case, deeming the allegations distracting from efforts to improve Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
Israel’s Gaza assault has reportedly resulted in over 23,200 Palestinian deaths, with about two-thirds being women and children. South Africa, despite not being a diplomatic heavyweight, reflects its historic support for Palestinians in this case. The country’s delegation, led by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, aims to end the alleged genocide in Gaza. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disgust over the presence of Hamas officials in the country. The case marks South Africa’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, rooted in its anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela’s comparison of Palestinian and Black South African struggles.
