Lamola: Israel cannot use self-defence as excuse for genocide
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says Israel has failed to disprove South Africa's charges of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Lamola was address the media at the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
On Friday, Israel responded to South Africa's submission at the UN's top court.
Israel argued that if South Africa's submission is anything to go by, the true victim of genocide is Israel.
However, Lamola said Israel's argument of self defence cannot be used to commit genocide.
"Nothing can ever justify genocide, there is no balancing exercise as Israel has sought to suggest, the prohibition is absolute, no matter what some individuals within the group Palestinians in Gaza may have done.
"No matter how great the threat to citizens might be, genocidal attacks on the whole of Gaza population with the intent of destroying them cannot be justified at all.
"Indeed, the jurisdictions of the court have been established in terms of the convention and we have followed all the diplomatic routes and channels to engage with the State of Israel," he added.
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