Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine to hold Press Conference in support of South Africa’s Charges of Genocide Brought Against Israel

The Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine applauds the courageous and historic action of the South African government, and of the many nations joining in support of the charge of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice. We stand in solidarity with South Africa and all of the nations that support these charges and we demand that the ICJ hold Israel accountable for their many crimes.

Israel has conducted its war operations in a way consistent with its political and military leaders’ calls for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Both are clear examples of inciting and continuing genocide as defined by South Africa’s application to the court. We unequivocally support South Africa’s provisional demand that Israel immediately cease military operations in Gaza.

Since October 7, Israel’s unrelenting siege has taken the lives of over 24, 000 people, with over 10,000 children killed and over 85 % of the population displaced. The prevention of humanitarian aid reaching those in need is leading to starvation, dehydration and disease. These are the mental and physical hardships addressed in South Africa’s case against Israel’s genocide.

The International Criminal Court is also investigating Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law. In addition to the shocking atrocities that Israel has committed since October 7th, South Africa’s filings elaborated on the illegality of seventy-five years of apartheid and hostile occupation, as well as the sixteen year blockade of Gaza.

Given the extraordinary suffering of South Africans under apartheid, there is historic and symbolic significance to South Africa bringing the case before the International Court of Justice. South Africa’s experience in the dismantling of apartheid gave it unparalleled status to bring this case to the International Court.

Israel was amongst the staunchest supporters of the apartheid South African government. The apartheid oppression of indigenous Black South Africans was enabled by colonialist and dominant peoples who created the conditions for Israel to oppress indigenous Palestinians. Under apartheid, indigenous South Africans were subjected to unequal treatment under the law, discrimination due to ethnicity, race and religion, and brutal military enforcement to maintain control. Palestinians have been subjected to these same measures of apartheid during the over seventy-five years of Israeli occupation.

South Africa’s bold and principled pursuit of justice demonstrates the strength of internationalism that fueled the global struggle against the apartheid system there. Through three months of Israeli’ genocide siege on Gaza, the world has witnessed the bravery of the Ansar Allah of Yemen. Ansar Allah, better known in the west as the Houthis, have staged raids on shipping that successfully hindered Israel from receiving additional weapons and supplies. A newly formed US and British led coalition has staged countless raids across Yemen in retaliation, killing civilians and damaging key infrastructure.

The Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine applauds this international solidarity and condemns the shameful US and British attacks on Yemen in response to this Houthi stand. We recognize the US, by leading these attacks, chose to continue the slaughter of Palestinians and engulf more of the region into war.

The late South African President Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years of his life in prison due to his fight to end the inhuman system of apartheid. Mandela’s position on Israeli apartheid is noted here: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.