Al-Azhar, a leading religious institution in Egypt, expressed its support on Monday for Egypt’s decision to intervene in support of South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The statement, released on Al-Azhar’s official “X” account, applauded Egypt’s initiative which aligns with its historical and honorable stature and its support for the Palestinian cause.
The institution’s statement emphasized full backing for the political leadership’s move, which it described as upholding the rights of Palestinians and challenging the aggressors.
Al-Azhar called for the maximum degree of global and domestic political pressure to halt the bloodshed, isolate Israel politically and economically, and hold it accountable for its longstanding “terrorist crimes” against Palestinians.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt announced its formal intent to support South Africa’s lawsuit, which addresses Israel’s violations of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian statement detailed the escalation of Israeli assaults on civilians in Gaza, systematic targeting of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and the forced displacement that has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Egypt urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations as the occupying power, implement interim measures ordered by the ICJ to ensure adequate humanitarian and relief access to Palestinians and cease any violations against the protected Palestinian people.
The country also reiterated its call for the UN Security Council and influential international parties to urgently act to cease hostilities in Gaza and the military operations in Rafah and to provide the necessary protection for Palestinian civilians.
