Pandor says she hoped for ceasefire in ICJ ruling
Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor says although she would hoped for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, she is satisfied with the immediate measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.
Pandor spoke to the media outside on Friday after the ICJ ruling ordering Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide.
Read: ICJ orders Israel to 'take all measures' to prevent genocide
ICJ orders Israel to 'take all measures' to prevent genocideICJ orders Israel to 'take all measures' to prevent genocide
South Africa lodged an application with the ICJ last month arguing that Israel was violating the UN Convention on Genocide and seeking urgent measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza.
The October 7 war left thousands of Palestinians dead, when Hamas staged an unprecedented attack on Israel.
The court ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide.
Pandor said she was hoping for a ceasifire.
"I believe that in exercising order, there would have to be a ceasefire. Without it, the order does not actually work.
"I would have wanted a ceasefire, but there is no way I am going to say I am disappointed. I hoped for it but the fact of delivering humanitarian aid, the fact of taking measures that would reduce harm against persons who have no roles in what Israel is combatting, for me requires a ceasefire.
"I believe Israel would have to attend to it how it conducts its search for the hostages and for those Hamas individuals who carried out the October 7 war".
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola hailed the ruling as a decisive victory for the international rule of law.
Lamola was with the South Africa's top legal team at the court when they presented a case against Israel two weeks ago.
Lamola decribed the experience as humbling.
"This is a victory for the international rule of war and the children, women and vulnerable people of Gaza.
"This is also an assertion of a long standing South Africa's positions with regards to the United Nations Position.
"As you are aware the Freedom Charter declares that there must be peace and prosperity across the globe so this is a humbling experience for the country. I do believe that Nelson Mandela will be smiling in his grave," he added.
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