Tunisia refuses to back ICJ case against Israel
Tunisia has not backed any international legal action against Israel amidst fury in the country over the massacre happening in Gaza, according to Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency (AA)
The North African country states it does not back any action against Israel, arguing that to do so would be recognising an “illegitimate” state, the Tunisian Foreign Ministry said on January 10, as well as calling the country an “occupying entity”.
The Foreign Ministry released the statement as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel was in its infancy.
The case against the Israeli state was brought by South Africa who argue that the country is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
More specifically they argue that the country has,“specific intent … to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group”.
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In what is an 84-page evidence document, they also make the accusation that Israel has failed to prevent genocide taking place as well as highlighting the failure to prosecute those who have incited such actions.
It is no surprise that South Africa are one of the strongest voices against Israel given its past experiences of apartheid. Human rights groups worldwide have argued that Israel practices a system of apartheid.
Lawmakers in South Africa are often seen donning keffiyehs as well as giving speeches accompanied with the Palestinian flag.
Despite the seemingly dismissive approach to the ICJ case, Tunisian President Kais Saied has given the go ahead for the Foreign Ministry to submit a request for the country’s registration on the list of countries presenting arguments to the court next month.
There are speculations that Israel is attempting to broker relations with several North African states, notably Tunisia.
Kais Saied, a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause, has quashed all rumours regarding Tunisia normalising ties with Israel and has passionately condemned the bloodshed in Gaza.
AA/TRT
