Ahead Of The ICJ Session On Israel's Genocide, China Calls For A Ceasefire

JAKARTA - Ahead of the first trial of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding South Africa's lawsuit against Israel's alleged genocide in Gaza, China called for the parties involved to carry out a ceasefire.

"We urge those involved in the conflict to seriously implement the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council and General Assembly, immediately reach a comprehensive ceasefire and stop collective violence against the Gaza people," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning when delivering a statement to the media in Beijing. reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 10.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold an inaugural hearing regarding South Africa's (Afsel) lawsuit over the alleged genocide of Israel in the Gaza Strip, Palestine on Thursday-Friday (11-12 January 2024).

South Africa asked the International Court to issue a ruling order for Israel to halt attacks on Gaza since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out on October 7, 2023.

"China mourns the large number of civilian casualties caused by the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We oppose any actions that violate international law," added Mao Ning.

The Palestinian-Israeli war, which dates on since October 7, 2023, has killed at least 23,084 Palestinians and injured 58,926 others. Israeli authorities claim that the attacks carried out by Hamas in early October had killed about 1,200 Israelis.

Israel's intense attacks have caused destruction in Gaza, with 60 percent of the infrastructure in the region damaged or destroyed and nearly two million people displaced amid food shortages, clean water and medicines.

It is known that Israel and South Africa are countries that have ratified the United Nations Convention on the 1948 Genocide. This means that all countries that sign the convention must not commit genocide and also prevent genocide.

The ICJ as the highest legal entity at the United Nations has jurisdiction to deal with South Africa's lawsuit against Israel.

Several countries such as Malaysia, Bolivia, Jordan and Turkey welcomed the start of the legal process against Israel filed by South Africa at the International Court. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also supports South Africa's move through its official statement.

On the other hand, the United States views South Africa's decision to drag the genocide case Israel allegedly committed to the ICJ as a futile act.

Washington also considered the action "inappropriate, counterproductive, and has absolutely no basis whatsoever."

Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will express her verbal statement in front of ICJ on February 19, 2024.

The presence of Foreign Minister Retno was intended to encourage the International Court to provide a legal opinion as requested by the UN General Assembly.