“How exquisitely ironic,perfectly,that the nation that’s taken Israel to the International Court[of Justice],accusing them of genocide,is South Africa,” Foley told the rally. “Good on our South African brothers and sisters – from a nation that was formerly cursed with apartheid – making absolutely accurate accusations against the new nation of apartheid,Israel.”
The 14th consecutive weekend of Free Palestine rallies around Australia and the world marked 100 days since Israel began its intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Victoria Police estimated between 3000 and 4000 people attended Melbourne’s march from the State Library to Parliament House on Sunday,however,organisers from the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network estimated between 10,000 and 20,000.
Following South Africa’s launch of its genocide case against Israel in the ICJ late last week,placards at Sunday’s march quoted South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela:“Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Israel rejected the accusations by South Africa that its military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide campaign aimed at wiping out the Palestinian population. Israel claimed its war in Gaza was a legitimate defence of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide.
Rally MC Hajar,who did not provide a surname,thanked South Africa for making its case to the ICJ.
“South Africa is doing what many should have done generations ago. But let’s be clear about this though,the colonised will be liberated with or without the validation of international law.”