The South African government has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by mid-December.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned that the ICC’s failure to act would signify a “total failure” of global governance.
“The world cannot simply stand by and watch,” she said.
Israel asserts its defensive actions in response to the 7th October Hamas attack, resulting in 1,200 fatalities and over 200 individuals being held captive.
It claims to be aiming to reduce civilian casualties, yet Ms. Ntshavheni alleged that the Israeli government’s objective is to “clear most of Gaza of Palestinians and occupy it”.
South Africa, alongside Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, jointly filed a referral to the ICC requesting an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
For an extended period, South Africa has consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause.
The nation declared the removal of its diplomats from Israel and implied that the presence of Israel’s ambassador in Pretoria was becoming increasingly unsustainable.
