Political solution needed to end Israel-Palestine conflict, says expert
A senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) believes political will is key to solving the continued conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Israeli army has launched hundreds of air strikes on the Gaza Strip since Monday, where Hamas and other militants have responded by firing back volleys of rockets on Israeli cities.
The worst violence in seven years has claimed 50 lives since breaking out last Friday..
Dr Sikwani Ncube, who is a lecturer in Public Law at the university, says only political leaders can solve the tensions.
"What we need is a political solution as opposed to a legal solution and we have these international law instruments that experts and international practitioners continue to give reference to.
"Those only serve to put pressure on Israelis to change their ways, so to speak, but ultimately, what we need is a political solution which brings the two parties to the table and negotiation with a clear outcome which will stand a better chance of humanity."
Ncube believes a probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not solve the problems in the Middle East.
"While the ICC cannot bring out a solution, because they know that the eye of the world through the ICC is on them, then maybe they exercise restraint.
"But that on its own cannot give us a solution because remember the foundation of the court is of criminal mandate. It cannot give us a solution as far as state relations are concerned."
The probe by the international court will focus on 2014 Gaza War and look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.
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