Sir, – Your editorial “The Irish Times view on the ICJ decision: a clear message to Israel” (January 27th) is quite right in observing that the interim order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a reflection of how seriously the judges are taking the case put forward by South Africa. It is disappointing that the ICJ did not call for an immediate ceasefire, but Israel’s actions in Gaza have now been placed under a judicial spotlight.
Regrettably, however, I am less confident of your conclusion that “Israel should be in no doubt now that the international community will endeavour to hold it to account.” It is worth remembering that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in early January loudly denounced the referral of Israel to the ICJ for alleged genocide, calling South Africa’s claim “meritless”. The US continues to supply most of the munitions that are being used to kill people in Gaza.
Similarly, little support for South Africa has emanated from European Union states, or from the “global north” in general; Germany, like the US, has spoken out in support of Israel. The Irish Government arguably sat on its hands, unwilling to seriously “consider” the case until after the interim ruling.
In terms of the ICJ process, South Africa has ploughed a lonely furrow. Let us hope this will now change. – Yours, etc,
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FINTAN LANE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – The South African government in Cape Town, some 4,500 miles from Gaza, decided to prosecute Israel on the grounds of practising genocide as they fight radical Iranian-backed militias in the form of Hamas and Hizbullah.
Unfortunately South Africa did not consider a class action and include the actual genocide which did and is still taking place in Sudan.
Indeed, the conscientious South Africans recently welcomed a diplomatic visit from Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo who was leader of the Janjaweed group in Darfur, responsible for countless atrocities. He is now waging a civil war in Sudan. – Yours, etc,
EUGENE TANNAM,
Dublin 24.