(LOS ANGELES, CA – 2/7/2024) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today presented the South African Consulate with an award recognizing South Africa’s moral leadership in its recent genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Earlier today, CAIR-LA coordinated a visit by a delegation of local Muslim, Palestinian, African American, and Jewish community leaders to the Consulate General of South Africa in Los Angeles to show our gratitude to the people and government of South Africa and celebrate the ICJ’s recent provisional ruling in South Africa’s case against Israel.
SEE: ICJ Updates: Court orders Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza
South Africa filed a case with the ICJ earlier last month aiming to prove that the Israeli government is guilty of genocide and war crimes in Gaza. On Jan. 26, the ICJ ruled that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that the charges against Israel were plausible and that it would move forward with the trial. The court also ruled that Israel must abide by six provisional measures, including refraining from acts under the Genocide Convention and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We extend our deep appreciation to the people and government of South Africa for their continued solidarity with Palestine.
“South Africa’s pursuit of genocide and war crime charges against Israel sets a precedent for international accountability and shows a resounding commitment to fighting for justice and human rights of the people of Gaza.”
SEE: Israel Has Killed Nearly 900 Palestinians Since ICJ Order To Prevent Acts of Genocide
Since Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza began on Oct. 7, it has destroyed critical infrastructure, displaced over one million people, and killed over 25,000 civilians, including nearly 900 since the ICJ’s emergency ruling. Human rights organizations and advocates from all over the world have stated that Israel’s cutting off food, water, electricity, and medicine as it indiscriminately drops bombs on homes, hospitals, bakeries, schools, mosques, churches and even refugee camps in Gaza, amounts to war crimes.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com