Cairo, 13 May 2024 (TDI): Egypt has formally announced that it shall support South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The decision has been interpreted as a major blow for Israel from one of its few Arab allies.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed in a statement that its decision to intervene in the case comes in the wake of increasing severity and scope of Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
Moreover, Israel’s actions in Gaza are “in flagrant violation of the provisions of international law, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Convention of 1949 for the protection of civilian persons in time of war,” the statement explained.
Additionally, it listed “systemic practices” against Palestinians, including direct attacks on civilians, destruction of infrastructure and forced evacuations out of their land.
Israel must comply with International Obligations
“The Arab Republic of Egypt calls on Israel to comply with its obligations as the occupying power,” it reminded Israel.
More importantly, “implement the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, which requires ensuring the access of humanitarian and relief aid in a manner that meets the needs of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” it suggested.
Despite international opposition, Israel pressed ahead with its long-threatened invasion of the southern Rafah governorate.
This area borders with Egypt. Israel rapidly seized control of the border crossing and sealed it shut.
The Egyptian declaration appears in the wake of Israel’s invasion of Rafah.
The statement further mentioned that Egypt would not cooperate with Israeli authorities over the entry of aid through Rafah due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”.
Cairo has been warning Israel for several months now to avoid actions risking peace ties between the two countries.
It also appears nervous that a major assault could put pressure on the delicate Northern Sinai border area.
South Africa demands Additional Emergency Measures
Just two days before Egypt’s formal declaration of support to intervene, South Africa requested the ICJ to order Israel to withdraw from Rafah.
This request has been forwarded as part of additional emergency measures in response to the ongoing case over the Gaza war.
Diplomatic blow for Tel Aviv
The move to support South Africa’s case will be seen as a major diplomatic blow for Tel Aviv on the world stage.
Egypt has been considered as a key neighbour also serving as an important mediator in the region.
It was the first Arab nation to formalize ties with Israel through a peace treaty in 1979 which marked a major milestone.
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Furthermore, Cairo has regularly hosted ceasefire negotiations between Palestinian officials and US and Egyptian intelligence officers during the ongoing war in Gaza.
Previously, Turkey, Ireland, Libya, and Colombia have also announced formal support for South Africa’s case against Israel.
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