ON Friday, January 26, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its interim ruling after South Africa filed a case accusing Israel of genocide in its assault on Gaza. In its ruling, the court ordered Israel to take all measures within its power ‘to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide’ and to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.
The war has seen more than 25 000 Palestinians killed in Gaza following a deadly attack from Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1 000 Israeli deaths and hundreds of hostages being taken.
In light of the court’s decision and to celebrate recent developments, the Urban Futures Centre (UFC) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), in partnership with 2 Suns Shamsaan, hosted an event called Butterfly Souls on Saturday, January 27 at Alliance Française de Durban in Morningside.
According to Prof Monique Marks, head of the Urban Futures Centre at DUT, it is critical that as a university, DUT works with civil society groupings to profile and respond to the human rights violations that are taking place in Palestine.
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“As a university, we are responsive to the needs of society, particularly those most vulnerable and marginalised. The Urban Futures Centre is emblematic of the values of DUT as stated in the ENVISION2030 strategy, which focuses on improving society through science, engagement and partnerships,” said Prof Marks.
As an engaged scholar, Prof Marks feels an imperative to work with others in finding solutions to this global problem of inequality, injustice and inhumanity. She is a strong proponent of the Ceasefire movement that is gaining massive traction worldwide. Prof Marks and her colleagues support South Africa in their case at the International Court of Justice.
“We stand with the South African government and human rights organisations across the world in calling for a ceasefire and in recognising the human rights violations that are taking place in Gaza. I feel particularly passionate about this as a Jewish woman who can honestly say to the Israeli government, ‘not in my name’.”
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Giving insight into the Butterfly Souls event, Prof Marks stated that the event will bring together children from various schools to make butterflies, which will be dedicated to the children who have lost their lives. She further explained that each child in Durban will choose the name of one child in Palestine whose name will be written on the butterfly. Prof Marks has confirmed that the people of Palestine are in full support of this gesture.
Children from schools around Durban met at the Alliance Française on Saturday and were assisted in creating butterflies with whatever materials they preferred to use – material, paint or crayons. The butterflies that were made will be exhibited and some sent to Palestine. Others will be auctioned at an event to be held in February to fundraise. The fundraising event will go toward meeting the healthcare needs of the children of Palestine.
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