Al-Qalam 
Protests by the BDS Coalition have successfully shut down a Zionist-led conference aimed at twisting the narrative of Israeli terrorism, writes an Al-Qalam reporter.
A Zionist-led “propaganda” conference called the African Global Dialogue that was due to be held at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg this week has been called off at the venue, thanks to pressure from Palestine Solidarity groups in the country.
Palestine activist Roshan Dadoo said the conference using the theme Narrative Conditions towards Peace in the Middle East was an attempt to downplay the genocide taking place in Palestine.
In a statement released by the SA BDS Coalition, it said the idea behind the Zionist-led conference was to create a fake narrative of the genocide.
“Under the guise of a “dialogue”, the goal of the event is to pave over the suffering of Palestinians by weaving new narratives about “the conflict”. As Israel prepares for a full takeover of Palestinian territories, this conference is part of the Zionist propaganda to create a fake narrative to soften the edges of the genocide.
“This narrative eliminates the Palestinian cause under the cover of “peace”, which excludes the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, most importantly national liberation, self-determination, and the return of the refugees to their homes.
“Most of the invitees and participants are not attending. However, the organisers are so disingenuous that they have continued to advertise speakers after they have made it absolutely clear they have no intention of attending, disagree with the aims of the conference or have no knowledge at all of the event.
“These people include Minister Ronald Lamola, Siphamandla Zondi, Philani Mthembu, Ismail Vallodia, Adebayo Olukoshi, Kuben Naidoo, Saths Cooper, Achille Membe, Zeblon Vilakazi, Ferial Haffejee and Lieopollo Pheko who condemned “the unethical use of these colleagues, without permission in ways that imply that these individuals sanction Zionism, ethnic cleansing, racism and genocide.
“We thank everyone who took action to ensure that this conference couldn’t go ahead as planned at Con Hill. It is unconscionable that an event discrediting South Africa’s case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice could possibly take place at Con Hill, a living memorial to our liberation struggle and post-apartheid democracy.”
Genocide
Meanwhile, writing in an Op-ed, Professor Ziyad Motala of the Howard University School of Law said a leaked report that Israel had asked the United States to pressure South Africa into dropping its genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was disturbing.
“Israel’s efforts to sidestep this legal scrutiny by appealing to its long-standing relationship with the US speak to a deep-rooted hypocrisy – one that Washington must reject if it is to continue presenting itself as a legitimate defender of international law.”
He said South Africa’s decision to pursue this case reflects its own painful history of battling institutionalised racism and oppression, adding that “parallels between apartheid-era South Africa and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories are too glaring to ignore.”
“South Africa’s decision to challenge Israel on the international stage is rooted in its moral responsibility to confront injustice wherever it occurs,” he wrote.
He said the US has a critical role to play here.
“Historically, Washington has often shielded Israel from global accountability by vetoing UN resolutions, providing diplomatic cover, and offering unconditional military aid. This special relationship, however, undermines the very values the US claims to champion.
“For the US to pressure South Africa into abandoning its ICJ case would send a clear signal that international law is nothing more than a political tool, applied selectively when convenient, but ignored when inconvenient for the US and its allies. The broader implications for US foreign policy are profound. For decades, the US has presented itself as the champion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. But actions speak louder than words.”
Motala said that by shielding Israel from accountability while lecturing other countries on human rights violations “exposes a fundamental hypocrisy.”
“This double standard not only undermines US credibility but also weakens the very fabric of the international legal order that Washington claims to support,” he said.
Motala wrote that the ICJ case offers a chance for the US to prove its commitment to the rule of law by refraining from interference and allowing the process to play out.
“If Israel believes the accusations are baseless, it should welcome the opportunity to clear its name before an impartial tribunal. If not, it must be held accountable, like any other state accused of grave crimes.
“At a time when multilateralism is under threat from authoritarianism and populism, the US must decide whether it stands for justice or for the selective application of international law. The ICJ must be allowed to do its job, free from political interference,” he added.
