In the aftermath of South Africa filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for actions in Gaza, nearly 50 South African lawyers, led by Wikus Van Rensburg, are gearing up for a distinct lawsuit against the US and UK governments. Their claim asserts complicity in Israeli forces’ war crimes in Palestine.
Rensburg, spearheading the initiative, aims to pursue prosecutions in civilian courts with collaboration from US and UK lawyers. He emphasizes holding those complicit in the crime accountable, aligning with his ongoing efforts to press charges against Israel and its supporters.
“The United States must now be held accountable for the crimes it committed,” stated Rensburg in an interview, outlining the process by which Washington and London will face charges related to Tel Aviv’s war crimes against Gaza.
Rensburg, who received substantial support for his lawsuit initiative, emphasized that many lawyers, including Muslims, have joined the cause. He acknowledged the parallels with the lack of accountability for US actions in Iraq, asserting that the legal process is now deemed suitable for addressing events in Palestine.
The ongoing ICJ case against Israel will serve as a guide for the US and UK lawsuit, with preparations initiated based on the ICJ’s outcome and subsequent UN actions.
Rensburg believes that even if the US does not accept the ICJ verdict, it may face sanctions if the trial concludes in favor of South Africa. The ruling could also strengthen a case against the Joe Biden administration.
In preparations, South African lawyers are in contact with law firms in the US and UK. Rensburg underlines the importance of the US taking responsibility for its actions, drawing comparisons with Germany’s ongoing compensation payments for past genocidal acts.
He notes that similar cases were filed against former US President George Bush in the 2000s, expressing confidence in a successful legal process abroad through collaborative efforts. The lawyers recently penned an open letter to US and UK leaders, asserting that responsibility cannot be evaded.
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