PALESTINE’S embassy in South Africa expressed its thanks to the country at the weekend for charging Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Speaking at the annual commemoration at the graveside of former South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary Joe Slovo, embassy representative Bassam Elhussiny described Israel’s military campaign as a “second Nakba” and “state-sponsored terrorism.”

He continued: “We thank the effort of South Africa to charge Israel in the International Court of Justice.

“Dear comrades, we appeal to the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop this barbaric war and to label Israel as an apartheid state, including imposing all kinds of sanctions on Israel.”

Mr Elhussiny also singled out the Communist Party and its liberation movement partners, the African National Congress and trade union confederation Cosatu, for their “unwavering support for the Palestinian people during the current barbaric war since October 7.”

Speaking at the same event, ANC deputy general secretary and Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa described the team presenting South Africa’s case to the international court as “the best of the best.”

She added: “We’ve always remained on the side of the oppressed as a liberation movement, representing the interests and aspirations of the oppressed… I urge structures of the movement to continue intensifying solidarity actions on the ongoing war in Gaza.”

South Africa’s parliament has voted in favour of severing diplomatic ties with Israel, but the vote was largely symbolic since the decision rests with Presdient Cyril Ramophosa, who has yet to indicate that he will respect the will of the legislature.