Jeremy Corbyn calls on Britain to support South Africa in Israel trial

Former British Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called on the British government to support South Africa's complaint before the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of "acts of genocide" in its aggression against the Gaza Strip.

"Every day other unspeakable atrocities are being committed in Gaza. Millions of people around the world support South Africa's efforts to hold Israel to account. Why can't our government?"This followed an intervention in parliament.

In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan last November, Corbyn was asked at least 15 times whether he would call Hamas a terrorist group because he refused to designate it as such.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth website, Corbin published a subsequent article in the Tribune magazine that listed Hamas as a terrorist group, but added that Israel was also committing terrorist acts.

A green light to kill
Corbyn has previously lashed out at British politicians, saying that they give a green light to Israel to "annihilate" the Gaza Strip, and stressed that his country's politicians should be consistent with the principle of the right of everyone to life.

Corbyn participated in a march in London in November, declaring his opposition to the killing of civilians and demanding an end to the war and siege of the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with Al Jazeera at the time, Corbyn stressed the need for voices for de-escalation and for peace, "but instead our political leaders are giving the green light to annihilate the Strip."

South Africa brought an action against Israel before the UN's highest court, the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide, setting January 11th and 12th as the dates for the hearings.

"In its lawsuit, South Africa focuses on the Genocide Convention that both countries have signed, and argues that UN judges must first order an early end to the war against the Palestinians to protect their rights."

The decisions of the International Court of Justice are generally binding, but the judges have no power to impose the enforcement of these judgements on the convicted State.

Source: Al Jazeera + Yedioth Ahronoth