By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
South Africa has affirmed its commitment to continue its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), regardless of threats and financial aid cuts from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stressed, “Standing by our principles sometimes has consequences, but we remain firm that this is important for the world, and the rule of law.”
South Africa filed the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza.
The country has been joined by other nations, including Nicaragua, Colombia, and Türkiye, in this legal challenge.
Trump’s administration retaliated by halting financial aid to South Africa, citing issues over the country’s new land expropriation law and its stance on the Israel case.
Lamola refuted U.S. claims, emphasizing that South Africa has no nuclear deals with Iran, despite American accusations. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the land reform law as necessary to correct past injustices and denied U.S. allegations as misleading.
