Israel at the International Court of Justice
Al-Ahram, Egypt, January 11
Today marks a crucial turning point in the course of humanity. The International Court of Justice is currently deliberating on a lawsuit presented by South Africa, a country that for many decades endured the oppressive weight of racism. Under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, South Africa triumphed over white supremacy and is now ruled by the African majority, promoting equality between racial groups. South Africa stands at the forefront of a new global battle against the repugnant racism displayed by the Western world and Israel, which has regrettably taken on religious dimensions. The suffering of the people of Gaza and the relentless killing inflicted upon them by Israel has reached an unfathomable scale. This systematic annihilation spares neither children, the sick, nor the elderly, leaving innocent lives exposed to brutality previously unseen by humanity. The Israeli occupation forces have deprived the population of every basic necessity, from water and energy to food and medicine. These cruel measures have driven them to face the harshest conditions imaginable, stripped of their homes and shelters. The once thriving city of Gaza lies in ruins, devastated by a brutal occupation endorsed by America and the Western world, all disguised under false pretexts. While the occupiers claim to be combating the Resistance or searching for hostages, their prisons are filled with thousands of Palestinian detainees, including innocent children. South Africa’s portrayal of the current state of Gaza and its inhabitants is beyond dispute. Through the testimony and evidence provided by journalists and media professionals, the truth cannot be obscured. Israel, in its insidious attempts to conceal its heinous acts, has even resorted to silencing over 100 journalists, perpetrating its crimes away from the watchful eyes of the world. Yet, in this era of images, the truth can no longer be concealed. I firmly believe that the International Court of Justice stands at a pivotal moment in history. Its decision will either restore faith in the world and its institutions or succumb to the influence of repulsive racism led by Israel and its Western allies. At this critical juncture, all nations must take precautions, for the consequences of such a shift would be far-reaching. The balance of power within the international community would crumble, leading to a proliferation of wars and conflicts that would spiral out of control. The International Court now faces a difficult and daunting mission: to confront the brutality and warmongering perpetrated by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his extremist government against innocent Palestinians who are trapped under the oppressive weight of occupation. —Osama Saraya (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
