Plaid Cymru Westminster leader, has today (Thursday
11 January) urged the UK Government to “carefully consider” the
“compelling case” by South Africa, which is accusing Israel of
genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Ms Saville Roberts said that the hearing marks a “pivotal moment
in holding the Israeli Government accountable”.
She said that given that 10,000 children have been killed during
Israel’s military campaign, the UK Government should follow the
same principles as it did during the Myanmar case of genocide
against the Rohingyas. The UK’s submission to the ICJ on Myanmar
argues there is a lower threshold for determining genocide if the
damage has been inflicted on children as opposed to
adults.
She added that “the application of international law must be
consistent and without bias”.
Plaid Cymru have tabled a motion in Westminster welcoming South
Africa’s case and urging the UK Government to carefully consider
its argument. Ms Saville Roberts urged other parties to sign the
motion.
During today’s session, South African lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi
told the ICJ Israel's "genocidal intent" was evident "from the
way in which this military attack is being conducted". "The
intent to destroy Gaza has been nurtured at the highest level of
state," he said.
said:
“Today's hearing at the International Court of Justice marks a
pivotal moment in holding the Israeli Government accountable for
its actions in Gaza.
“As we approach the 100-day mark since the horrific attacks by
Hamas on October 7, this hearing should serve as a wake-up call
to those Western governments who have permitted Israel a carte
blanche in its military response. South Africa presented a
compelling case, asserting that Israel is failing to prevent
genocide and violating the genocide convention—a matter that the
UK Government must carefully consider.
“Israeli aggression in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 23,000
civilians, including almost 10,000 children, from a population of
just 2.27 million in three short months. As outlined by South
Africa's legal team, it is undeniable that Israeli politicians in
positions of power have repeatedly used genocidal language, and
the widespread use of blanket bombing, along with the disruption
of food, water, and medicine supplies to Gaza, leaves no civilian
safe.
“The application of international law must be consistent and
without bias. The UK Government submitted a joint intervention in
support of the application on genocidal acts in Myanmar, focusing
on the disproportionate impact on children. With 10,000 children
killed in Gaza, we can in no way justify failing to extend the
same humanity towards Palestinian children.
“Measures to avoid and defuse division should also be stepped up
here in the UK as we urgently need to address increased levels of
antisemitism and Islamophobia within communities. Bringing about
the end to the conflict in Gaza and the safe return of hostages
from Israel will play an important part in bringing an end to
conflict.
“Plaid Cymru has tabled a motion in Westminster urging the UK
Government to heed South Africa's arguments and apply
international law consistently to the actions of both Israel and
Hamas. We urge other parties to join us by signing the motion.”
