Speaking at the Women's League of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, Ramaphosa expressed immense pride, stating: "I have never felt as proud as I felt today when our legal team was arguing our case in The Hague."

Ramaphosa emphasized the strength of South Africa's legal representation at the top UN court in The Hague, Netherlands, praising the team of lawyers assembled for the case. He specifically mentioned Ronald Lamola, highlighting his role in presenting South Africa's case in court.

"Some people say that the step we are taking is risky. We are a small country, and we have a small economy. They can attack us, but we will stand by our principles," remarked Ramaphosa. He invoked the teachings of the father of South Africa's democracy, asserting: "As the father of our democracy taught us, we will not be truly free until the Palestinian people are free."

South Africa initiated the case at the ICJ in December, alleging that Israel violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. The country submitted an 84-page document detailing acts constituting genocide in Gaza.

The ICJ heard South Africa's arguments on Thursday and is scheduled to hear Israel's response on Friday. Ramaphosa's remarks were echoed by legal experts globally, who observed that South Africa's legal team presented a strong case supported by evidence. (ILKHA)