President Adama Barrow has hailed South Africa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its invasion of Gaza. 

Barrow made the statement at the 15TH   Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC) summit underway in Banjul.

South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel before the ICJ on 29 December 2023, claiming that Israel has been acting in breach of its obligations pursuant to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Addressing the summit of OIC heads of states, Barrow called on the corporation to “recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect, act collectively to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and build a future of peace and prosperity for all.”

“I commend South Africa for its recent decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice, following in our footsteps to seek justice under the Genocide Convention.

“This bold move illustrates the collective commitment of the international community to the principles of justice and human rights. It sends a powerful message that impunity for grave violations of international law, such as those committed against the Palestinian people, will not be tolerated,” he said.

“We stand in solidarity with South Africa and all those who advocate justice and accountability, and we pledge our support for their efforts to seek redress for the victims of atrocities committed by Israel,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba