Pretoria will continue to work through global institutions to end all acts of “apartheid and genocide” against Palestinians, an official has said
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has vowed that Pretoria will press ahead with its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), saying the fight is about protecting the very existence of the Palestinian people and ensuring the equal application of international law.
Addressing a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committees on International Relations and Justice in Parliament on Wednesday, Lamola emphasized that South Africa’s actions are rooted in its international legal obligations and a broader commitment to global peace and human rights.
”South Africa instituted proceedings before the ICJ to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group and to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against them,” said Lamola.
“This is not only about Gaza and Israel — it is about reinforcing the global application of international humanitarian law in all conflict zones.”
Lamola’s remarks come amid heightened global concern following Israel’s recent military strike on Qatari territory, escalating regional tensions and drawing widespread international condemnation. The attack, which Israel claims targeted Hamas-linked facilities, has been denounced by Doha as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
The move further complicates ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and resume peace negotiations.
Lamola highlighted that South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel is far from symbolic, asserting that the outcome could set a precedent for how the international community addresses state-led violence and accountability.
”Inaction has a direct impact on how international law is applied across the globe in all conflicts that affect people,” he said. “Our actions resonate with the global majority — civil society, legal scholars, and analysts from both Israel and Palestine.”
South Africa has also been actively engaged in international diplomacy, co-chairing a recent meeting of The Hague Group in Bogotá alongside Colombia, where 30 countries gathered to coordinate efforts in support of Palestinian self-determination and an end to the Israeli occupation. Lamola said this initiative, along with the Madrid Group, seeks an immediate ceasefire and a just peace.
Reiterating South Africa’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, Lamola called for urgent steps to remove all obstacles to peace, including a permanent ceasefire, peace talks, the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel, halting illegal settlement expansion, and dismantling the occupied territories.
“South Africa will continue to act within global institutions to protect the right to life — whether in Gaza, Sudan, the DRC, or anywhere in the world,” Lamola concluded. “We remain committed to promoting accountability, justice, and peace.”
