Tehran: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has called for an end to the impunity Israel enjoys due to the support it receives from its allies. ‘The Opinion reaffirms that the Israeli regime is under an obligation to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinians who are living under its occupation, including the supplies essential for their survival, and that it must not impede the provision of such supplies,’ he stated.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baghaei emphasized the legal obligations under international law, noting the prohibition against using starvation as a warfare method. He highlighted an International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion that reaffirms the unlawfulness of the occupation of Palestinian lands, urging that it must end. He criticized the Israeli regime for persistently defying these principles and rules.

Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza would not halt his country’s legal case against Israel at the ICJ. The case is moving forward, and Israel is required to respond to South Africa’s pleadings by January of the next year. South Africa filed its complaint in December 2023, alleging that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention through its actions in Gaza. This move has gained support from several countries, including Brazil, Nicaragua, Cuba, Ireland, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey.

In October 2024, South Africa submitted a comprehensive 500-page legal brief to the ICJ. Hearings are anticipated to commence in 2027, with a final ruling expected by late 2027 or early 2028. Israel’s military actions in Gaza in early October 2023 resulted in the deaths of nearly 68,000 Palestinians, with more than 170,000 others injured, and thousands remain unaccounted for.