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The DA notes the provisional relief measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) earlier today, intended to minimise civilian casualties in the Gaza strip and requiring Israel to ensure it implements, and reports on, measures taken to prevent genocide.

As a party anchored in the rule of law, the DA welcomes the ICJ’s swift pronouncement on provisional relief measures. We mourn the loss of innocent life that has been brought about by this terrible conflict.

We further urge the Court to move swiftly in determining whether or not the substantive arguments brought by South Africa in respect of the accusation of genocide have merit in international law.

The DA remains resolutely committed to a viable and sustainable two-state solution based on United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. Our vision is for a sovereign Palestine, co-existing in peace next to a secure Israel.

The time has come for the international community to recommit towards building lasting peace in the region. To make peace possible, the DA calls for:

• Israel to abide by the ICJ’s ruling to avoid and prevent genocide;
• The Israeli Prime Minister to immediately recommit to a negotiated two-state solution;
• All civilian hostages kidnapped on and after 7th October to be returned;
• Hamas to disarm; and
• Fresh elections to be held in Palestine under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority.

Issued by Emma Louise Powell MP - DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation