The Government of the Republic of Cuba formally submitted to the International Court of Justice at its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, the Declaration of Intervention in the case “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip” (South Africa against Israel).
The Declaration was made under Article 63 of the Statute of the Court and it shares the concerns expressed by the Republic of South Africa against Israel for the genocide in Palestine, the country hereby joining the lawsuit filed by the African nation.
Cuba, a defender of international law, considers that, within the United Nations system, the Court is the last hope of the Palestinian people and the safeguard of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Court is at a complex historical turning point, in which the credibility of the legal system that was built after the Second World War threatens to be definitively undermined.
The Republic of Cuba is a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 and, in accordance with the commitments assumed therein, has the obligation to take all possible actions aimed at preventing and punishing genocide against anyone who attempts to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
The Government of Cuba reiterates its deep concern with the continued escalation of violence by Israel in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
The United Nations also strongly condemns, once again, the killing of civilians, including women, children, the elderly and humanitarian workers of the United Nations system, as well as the indiscriminate bombing of the Palestinian civilian population and the destruction of homes, hospitals and vital civilian infrastructure.
The impunity with which the Israeli government acts is a direct result of the complicity of successive governments of the United States of America, which repeatedly obstruct and veto any action by the international community and the UN Security Council, undermining peace, security and stability in the Middle East and around the world.
This case, initiated by South Africa and supported by more than a dozen countries, must be understood and heeded as an urgent call by all to stop the horrendous international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and apartheid that have been and are being perpetrated against the Palestinian people.
In this regard, Cuba reaffirms its solidarity and support for the brotherly people of Palestine, victim for more than 75 years of illegitimate colonial occupation and flagrant violations of its legitimate right to exist as a free and independent nation.
No genocidal policy will ever defeat the resistance of peoples who defend their right to self-determination! Cuba will never be among those who are indifferent: The genocide against the Palestinian people must cease immediately and unconditionally!
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE ]
