Jeremy Corbyn joins South Africa delegation accusing Israel of genocide

11 January 2024 , 12:55

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Jeremy Corbyn pictured at The Hague as part of a South African delegation (Image: Getty Images)

Jeremy Corbyn is at the United Nations' top court to support claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The expelled former Labour leader has branded a landmark court case brought by South Africa a "historic moment for humanity". But No10 this morning branded the case "wrong and unjustified".

South African lawyers called on judges in the Hague to order Israel to halt its military operation. In a controversial court action they claimed that the latest Gaza war is part of a long campaign of oppression of Palestinians by Israel. Israel vehemently denied the allegations.

Mr Corbyn, who sits as an independent MP, said he had missed a vote in the Commons as he was at The Hague to "support South Africa’s case against Israel". He wrote: "This is a historic moment for humanity, and a wake-up call for political leaders letting a genocide unfold."

South Africa’s Justice Ministry said he was among several “senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe” joining their delegation. Lawyers for South Africa asked judges to impose binding preliminary orders on Israel, including an immediate halt to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

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Downing Street has branded the case 'wrong and unjustified' (Getty Images)

South African lawyer Adila Hassim told judges at the at the International Court of Justice (ICJ): "Genocides are never declared in advance, but this court has the benefit of the past 13 weeks of evidence that shows incontrovertibly a pattern of conduct and related intention that justifies as a plausible claim of genocidal acts.

"Nothing will stop the suffering except an order from this court. Without an indication of provisional measures, the atrocities will continue, with the Israeli Defence Force indicating that it intends pursuing this course of action for at least a year."

In November Mr Corbyn sparked an outcry after repeatedly refusing to describe Hamas as a terrorist group during a TV interview. But days later he did use the term in an article in Tribune magazine - but said the Israeli army is guilty of "acts of terror too".

His appearance at The Hague in the Netherlands has sparked anger. In a statement the Board of Deputies of British Jews wrote: "The South African Government's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been perfectly summed up by their inclusion of Jeremy Corbyn as part of their delegation to the ICJ. Mr Corbyn notoriously once described Hamas as his 'friends', as well as 'an organisation dedicated towards the good of the Palestinian people and bringing about long-term peace and social justice in the whole region'. The grotesque nature of this description was fully apparent at the time he made it, but it was proven to the world on October 7th - apart from in South Africa, it would appear, where Hamas officials visited Cape Town just last month."

On Tuesday Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he was "worried" Israel might have breached international law in the Middle East conflict, saying he asks questions everyday about whether more could be done to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. "Am I worried that Israel has taken action that might be in breach of international law, because this particular premises has been bombed or whatever? Yes, of course I'm worried about that," he said.

"And that's why I consult the Foreign Office lawyers when giving this advice on arms exports. If you put it that way, I'm happy to say, yes, of course, everyday I look at what's happened and ask questions about: Is this is in line with international humanitarian law? Could the Israelis have done better to avoid civilian causalities? Of course I do that."

Ahead of the proceedings, hundreds of pro-Israeli protesters marched close to the courthouse with banners saying "Bring them home", referring to the hostages still held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement: "Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population. Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law."

Dave Burke