Latest news with #Dangor
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Dirco calls for global action to stop Israel's ‘genocide' in Gaza
Delegates from 30 countries are discussing how to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Director-General Zane Dangor says there are continued and urgent calls from UN Member States and the international community for a ceasefire in Gaza. Dangor spoke to delegates from 30 countries meeting in Colombia's capital, Bogota, on Tuesday to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and ways that nations can try to stop Israel's military offensive in the enclave. Conference The two-day conference organised by Colombia and South Africa is being attended mostly by developing nations, although Spain, Ireland and China have also sent delegates. The conference is co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia, which last year suspended coal exports to Israeli power plants. It includes the participation of members of The Hague Group, a coalition of eight countries that earlier this year pledged to cut military ties with Israel and comply with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza Genocide Many of the participating nations have described the violence as genocide against the Palestinians. Dangor stated that the meeting comes one year after the General Assembly passed a resolution that affirmed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory opinion that found that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful. He said the resolution affirming the ICJ's advisory opinion was supported by the overwhelming majority of member states. 'The carnage we see in Palestine today is testament to Israel's grand exceptionalism from accountability to international law and norms. All states have the obligation to act on these directives. We do not have the luxury of time. This is happening now.' Durante la Conferencia Ministerial de Emergencia sobre Palestina, que se desarrolla en Bogotá, Zane Dangor, secretario general del Departamento de Relaciones Internacionales y Cooperación de Sudáfrica, explicó el propósito de este encuentro. — Cancillería Colombia (@CancilleriaCol) July 15, 2025 'Impunity continues unabated' Dangor added that the 'impunity continues unabated'. 'Israel continues with its violence against Palestinians, with forced evacuations, and targeted attacks on schools and medical facilities being the order of the day. An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, exacerbated by further denials of safe access to, and delivery of, desperately needed aid, has been unfolding before our eyes.' Dangor warned that enabling Israel to simply ignore decisions of the courts and the United Nations with no consequence is negatively impacting the integrity of international law, including international humanitarian law and the organisations that are tasked with its administration. 'Israel's continued disregard for the rulings of the ICJ undermines the integrity of the court and harms the capacity of the institutions of global governance to end impunity. 'This is unacceptable, and we should not be complicit in Israel's endeavours to irreparably harm the institutions that were established to hold all of us accountable to the goals of a more peaceful and just world,' Dangor said. ALSO READ: Israel bombs café during children's birthday party in Gaza — 39 killed International law Dangor said the international community cannot proclaim that the importance of international law, including that of the UN Charter, applies in some situations and not in others. 'We should not pick and choose which binding orders of the ICJ to abide by and which to set aside or simply ignore. 'Israel's unlawful actions are enabled when we seek to rationalise their actions. The crime of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of apartheid are not complex, they are unlawful,' Dangor said. Humanitarian support He added that the violence and restrictions under Israeli occupation have rendered the mandates of humanitarian and development organisations virtually impossible to fulfil. 'Humanitarian support provided by member states is regularly obstructed and destroyed by Israeli authorities, or is being allowed to be destroyed by right-wing and extreme elements. 'As Member States of the UN who have pledged our commitment to upholding the UN Charter, we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure and protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,' he said. Dangor said Israel's government must immediately halt the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza, which is causing 'untold suffering and trauma'. 'The government of Israel, as the occupying power, must uphold its obligations under international law, protect and uphold the rights of Palestinians, refrain from excessive and lethal use of force and guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, including healthcare and other essential services in the West Bank and Gaza.' 'Concrete actions' The United Nations's special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory Francesca Albanese said that it is time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza. 'Each state must immediately review and suspend all ties with the State of Israel … and ensure its private sector does the same,' Albanese said. 'The Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal.' Gaza death toll More than 58 000 people have been killed since Israel launched the assault in October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israeli forces have also imposed several total blockades on the territory throughout the war, pushing Gaza's 2.3 million residents to the brink of starvation. Analysts say it's not clear whether the conference's participating countries have enough leverage over Israel to force it to change its policies in Gaza. ALSO READ: SA among 38 countries to present at ICJ hearings on Israel's actions
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Potchefstroom Uber driver's acts of kindness help the homeless
Compassion and kindness are often intertwined, reflecting deep empathy and concern for others. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Potchefstroom Herald reports that Gaff Dangor, a semi-retired former diplomat, started an initiative after he saw the number of homeless people increase in Potchefstroom. After serving the country for 25 years, Dangor retired and started an Uber business in Potchefstroom. 'I get to see every nook and cranny of Potchefstroom. The number of homeless people and people who need help is astounding. There are a lot of people who hope to find shelter each night, but unfortunately, not all of them do.' Dangor says he once picked up a young mother and baby on the Witrand Road. 'I spotted a very young mother with her three-year-old child, in the rain, on the Witrand Road. She had nowhere to go and no family. I picked them up and took them to the hospital, where they were diagnosed with hypothermia.' He wanted to make a difference and started to collect blankets and food, which he gives out to homeless people each night as he drives around to transport his clients. 'One person cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.' This initiative has spilt over to his colleagues, who also hand out blankets and food to people in need. 'We have collected 200 blankets and 50 food parcels so far. It is also important to understand what type of food you can hand out. You cannot hand someone a can of food without a can opener. Or a packet of Cup-a-Soup, but no hot water.' Dangor makes sure he always has blankets and food in his car. The project started this year, and Dangor asked Karl Joubert, owner of Cannafrica, for help. His premises is now a drop-off point for donations. The initiative is not a formal NPO, but is done purely done out of love and compassion for the homeless. Joubert says the two of them became friends, and he supports the project 100%. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Israel 'starving Gaza by design,' SA says at ICJ
South Africa accused Israel of impunity and highlighted acts against international law. South Africa has told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel is deliberately depriving the people of Gaza of humanitarian aid and condemning an entire civilian population to starvation. The remarks were delivered by the country's director general for international relations, Zane Dangor, on Tuesday. Presentations South Africa is one of 40 countries delivering remarks before the ICJ this week to gauge Israel's responsibility for the humanitarian crisis engulfing Gaza during its war against Hamas. Israel has not sent a delegation to the hearings, which began on Monday when the United Nations' (UN) legal counsel, Elinor Hammarskjöld, told the court it was a cold fact that no humanitarian aid has entered Gaza since March. ALSO READ: SA among 38 countries to present at ICJ hearings on Israel's actions 'Israeli impunity' Dangor said the scale of the harms inflicted on Palestinians by Israel was laid out in detail during the hearings. 'We wish to emphasise the impunity with which Israel is inflicting these harms. Israel continues to act with impunity, as it does enjoy some form of exceptionalism from accountability to international law and norms. 'Conversely, any person or entity which seeks to hold Israel to account for its inhumane and unlawful actions is subjected to counter-measures and censure, from which the United Nations and this Court have not been spared,' Dangor said. International community Dangor said the international community should not accept a reality in which an entire civilian population is deliberately starved by Israel, where the United Nations is evicted and deprived of its immunities and privileges, where third states and humanitarian organisations are prevented from rendering humanitarian assistance in solidarity and fulfilment of their obligations. 'Palestinian NGOs and major aid groups have warned that Gaza is entering into famine and that 'the humanitarian aid system is facing total collapse. 'This collapse is by design. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said on 16 April 2025, 'Israel's policy is clear – no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza. . . There are no preparations to enable such aid,' Dangor said. NGO's Dangor added that Palestinian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and major aid groups have warned that Gaza is entering into famine and that 'the humanitarian aid system is facing total collapse'. 'Under the world's watchful eye, Palestinians across the Occupied Palestinian Territory are being subjected to atrocity crimes, persecution, apartheid and genocide. While we watch, the gaze of Palestinians is directed squarely at the international community, and this Court, whose advice is urgently being sought, for the protection of their most fundamental rights, including the right to life,' Dangor said. ALSO READ: SA condemns Israel's bombing of hospitals in Gaza Humanitarian law President Cyril Ramaphosa's special advisor on legal and international affairs, Nokukhanya Jele, argued that Israel may not impose any measures specifically prohibited by international law. Humanitarian law, such as mass forced displacements, property destruction, transfer of colonial settlers, targeting schools, and even targeting the curriculum to erase the history of the Palestinian people. 'Israel cannot subject the population to collective punishment, while indiscriminately bombing civilians and civilian objects on a large scale — acts which manifestly constitute violations of its obligations as an occupying power.' Legal obligations Jele said the court's orders on 26 January, 28 March and 24 May 2024 constitute additional legal obligations for Israel to allow and facilitate the unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, 'in full cooperation with the United Nations'. 'However, Israel has blatantly ignored these binding obligations.20 Instead, one and a half months after its legislation banning UNRWA went into effect, it has redoubled its denial of aid by imposing a nearly eight-week-long blockade on Gaza.' SA ICJ case In its initial application, South Africa submitted an 84-page application at the ICJ on 29 December 2023, pleading with the court to find Israel guilty of suspected genocide and order it to, among other things, halt its invasion in Gaza. Since launching the case at the ICJ, South Africa has approached the court four times, requesting interim measures to halt Israel's attacks on the occupied territory. Despite three orders being granted in South Africa's favour, they have had little to no impact on all forms of Israel's attacks on Palestinian life, essential services and the need for humanitarian aid. 'Human beings' State law advisor Jaymion Hendricks said, despite attempts by Israeli officials to characterise them otherwise, Palestinians are 'human beings – they are flesh and blood'. 'Palestinian people are entitled to the same fundamental protections as we in this Great Hall of Justice. This includes the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life – 'the supreme right from which no derogation is permitted, even in situations of armed conflict. 'Furthermore, Israel is impeding the United Nations and third States from exercising their erga omnes obligations – and international solidarity – with respect to the exercise of the 'fundamental human right[s]' of the Palestinian people, which this Court held to include the right to self-determination,' Hendricks said. ALSO READ: SA won't drop ICJ case against Israel, even if Trump waives restrictions – Dirco 'World has failed' Hendricks said South Africa shares the UN secretary-general's view that the 'world has failed' the Palestinian people. 'The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse. Therefore, we must save whatever is left of humanity by ending Israel's unlawful occupation and its intentional starving of the Palestinian population, who are being systematically brutalised and deprived of elementary considerations of humanity. Palestinians look to the world, and this Court, for an end to their enduring loss, their pain and their suffering.' ICJ opinions Although the ICJ's advisory opinions are not legally binding, the court believes they 'carry great legal weight and moral authority'. In July last year, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's 'unlawful occupation' of Palestine confirmed South Africa's 'long-standing position' that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory remains unlawful under international law. The ICJ, in its 83-page advisory opinion, said that Israel's actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank amount to 'annexation' and violate the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force. Vital aid Israel strictly controls all inflows of international aid vital for the 2.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It halted aid deliveries to Gaza on 2 March, days before the collapse of a ceasefire that had significantly reduced hostilities after 15 months of war. WATCH: ICJ rules Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories 'violates international law'
Russia Today
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
South Africa presents case against Israel at World Court
In a landmark legal move, South Africa has formally presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accusing Israel of serious violations of international law and human rights in the Palestinian territories, especially Gaza. This is the first time a state has brought such a comprehensive legal challenge to Israel's conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories before the ICJ, highlighting growing global concern over the ongoing crisis. Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, led the South African delegation yesterday at the Hague. Dangor opened with a stark account of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. 'Gaza is once again under a complete siege following Israel's breach of a ceasefire brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt,' read Dangor's statement. 'Israel is blocking essential life-sustaining supplies, reopening the floodgates of horror. Palestinian NGOs and aid organisations warn that Gaza faces famine, and humanitarian assistance is being deliberately obstructed.' He highlighted the staggering death toll—more than 52,000 Palestinians killed—and the mounting evidence of a collapsing humanitarian system, describing Gaza as a 'killing field,' as recently noted by the UN Secretary-General. Dangor emphasised that Israel's actions violate international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians under occupation. He accused Israel of 'extending its laws into occupied East Jerusalem and attempting to annex parts of the West Bank, in violation of the prohibition against acquiring territory by force. WATCH | ICJ Public Hearings - South Africa Statement 'Israel's policies aim to undermine Palestinian self-determination and perpetuate an apartheid-like system, further entrenching occupation and repression.' Advocate Nokukhanya Jele provided further legal analysis, citing specific rulings and obligations under international law. 'The court's orders of January 26, March 28, and May 24, 2024 constitute additional legal obligations for Israel. 'These rulings explicitly require Israel to allow and facilitate the unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, in full cooperation with the United Nations. Yet, Israel has blatantly ignored these binding obligations.' Jele pointed out that 'one and a half months after legislation banning UNRWA went into effect, Israel intensified its denial of aid by imposing a nearly eight-week-long blockade on Gaza.' She emphasised that UNRWA, contrary to Israeli narratives, is not engaging in one-sided advocacy but is acting by its recognised obligations as a global advocate for Palestinian refugees. 'Israel's conduct—such as blanket bans and restrictive procedures—are clear violations of the law of occupation.' She warned that these acts threaten the very fabric of Palestinian civic life and violate their rights to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter and international human rights treaties. Adding a crucial legal perspective, South Africa's State Law Advisor for International Law, Jamie Hendricks, addressed the court: 'International law prohibits Israel from employing starvation as a method of warfare, including under siege or blockade. Israel may not collectively punish the protected Palestinian population, which it holds under unlawful occupation.' Hendricks referenced the UN Special Rapporteur's report of July 2024, which states: 'Starvation reflects a state's fundamental abandonment of its human rights obligations. Furthermore, the state of Israel has deployed the full range of techniques of hunger and starvation, perfecting the degree of control, suffering, and death it can cause through food systems, leading to this moment of genocide.' He strongly condemned Israel's aid blockade to Palestine. 'Palestinians are human beings—flesh and blood—entitled to the same protections under international law. Their right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life is non-derogable, even in armed conflict. 'Israel's blockade and refusal to allow humanitarian aid violate their right to self-determination, a core norm of international law protected by the UN Charter and the International Covenants. 'Israel's actions impede the UN and third states from fulfilling their duties to support Palestinian human rights, and that the 1946 General Convention explicitly protects UN premises and property from violation.' He called on the court to force Israel to cease its wrongful acts immediately, provide full reparation, and facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added that Israel must reverse its decision to expel UNRWA and other UN bodies from their mandated activities. Hendricks underscored that the UN and its agencies have a duty not to recognize Israel's unlawful acts, such as its eviction of UNRWA. 'Despite Israeli restrictions, the UN must continue to provide aid and demand the removal of barriers.' He also stressed the responsibility of third states, emphasising that they have an obligation not to recognise Israel's wrongful acts and to refrain from supplying arms that enable ongoing violations, adding that collaboration with Israel's breaches must end. Concluding his presentation, Hendricks echoed the UN Secretary-General's assessment that 'the world has failed the Palestinian people.' He urged the ICJ to 'uphold international law, end Israel's unlawful occupation, and protect Palestinian rights to self-determination and human dignity.' 'Palestinians look to this Court—and the international community—for justice and relief,' Hendricks declared. 'Their suffering must end, and accountability must be upheld.' South Africa's legal challenge arrives amid reports of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where the blockade has led to starvation, medical shortages, and civilian published by IOL
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa vs Israel at The Hague: Gaza siege sparks legal showdown
International Court of Justice heard South Africa's strong arguments against Israel for violations of international law Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers In a landmark legal move, South Africa has formally presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accusing Israel of serious violations of international law and human rights in the Palestinian territories, especially Gaza. This is the first time a state has brought such a comprehensive legal challenge to Israel's conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories before the ICJ, highlighting growing global concern over the ongoing crisis. Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, led the South African delegation yesterday at the Hague. Dangor opened with a stark account of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. 'Gaza is once again under a complete siege following Israel's breach of a ceasefire brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt,' read Dangor's statement. 'Israel is blocking essential life-sustaining supplies, reopening the floodgates of horror. Palestinian NGOs and aid organisations warn that Gaza faces famine, and humanitarian assistance is being deliberately obstructed.' He highlighted the staggering death toll—more than 52,000 Palestinians killed—and the mounting evidence of a collapsing humanitarian system, describing Gaza as a 'killing field,' as recently noted by the UN Secretary-General. Dangor emphasised that Israel's actions violate international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians under occupation. He accused Israel of 'extending its laws into occupied East Jerusalem and attempting to annex parts of the West Bank, in violation of the prohibition against acquiring territory by force. 'Israel's policies aim to undermine Palestinian self-determination and perpetuate an apartheid-like system, further entrenching occupation and repression.' Advocate Nokukhanya Jele: Detailing Israel's Breaches Advocate Nokukhanya Jele provided further legal analysis, citing specific rulings and obligations under international law. 'The court's orders of January 26, March 28, and May 24, 2024 constitute additional legal obligations for Israel. 'These rulings explicitly require Israel to allow and facilitate the unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, in full cooperation with the United Nations. Yet, Israel has blatantly ignored these binding obligations.' Jele pointed out that 'one and a half months after legislation banning UNRWA went into effect, Israel intensified its denial of aid by imposing a nearly eight-week-long blockade on Gaza.' She emphasised that UNRWA, contrary to Israeli narratives, is not engaging in one-sided advocacy but is acting by its recognised obligations as a global advocate for Palestinian refugees. 'Israel's conduct—such as blanket bans and restrictive procedures—are clear violations of the law of occupation.' She warned that these acts threaten the very fabric of Palestinian civic life and violate their rights to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter and international human rights treaties. Legal Consequences and Calls for Action Adding a crucial legal perspective, South Africa's State Law Advisor for International Law, Jamie Hendricks, addressed the court: 'International law prohibits Israel from employing starvation as a method of warfare, including under siege or blockade. Israel may not collectively punish the protected Palestinian population, which it holds under unlawful occupation.' Hendricks referenced the UN Special Rapporteur's report of July 2024, which states: 'Starvation reflects a state's fundamental abandonment of its human rights obligations. Furthermore, the state of Israel has deployed the full range of techniques of hunger and starvation, perfecting the degree of control, suffering, and death it can cause through food systems, leading to this moment of genocide.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He strongly condemned Israel's aid blockade to Palestine. 'Palestinians are human beings—flesh and blood—entitled to the same protections under international law. Their right not to be arbitrarily deprived of life is non-derogable, even in armed conflict. 'Israel's blockade and refusal to allow humanitarian aid violate their right to self-determination, a core norm of international law protected by the UN Charter and the International Covenants. 'Israel's actions impede the UN and third states from fulfilling their duties to support Palestinian human rights, and that the 1946 General Convention explicitly protects UN premises and property from violation.' He called on the court to force Israel to cease its wrongful acts immediately, provide full reparation, and facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added that Israel must reverse its decision to expel UNRWA and other UN bodies from their mandated activities. Hendricks underscored that the UN and its agencies have a duty not to recognize Israel's unlawful acts, such as its eviction of UNRWA. 'Despite Israeli restrictions, the UN must continue to provide aid and demand the removal of barriers.'
