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Rabat – South Africa has added its voice to the chorus of condemnation against Israel’s ongoing murderous campaign in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, joining on Thursday three Palestinian NGOs in filing a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa articulated the grave concerns of his nation, stating: “As South Africa we have accordingly, together with many other countries across the world, referred this whole Israeli government action to the International Criminal Court.”
President Ramaphosa went on to emphasize the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank as Israel escales its punitive war against Palestinians.
“We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes are being committed there,” he said. “And of course we do not condone the actions that were taken by Hamas earlier, but similarly we condemn the actions that are currently underway and believe that they warrant an investigation by the ICC.”
Additionally, the African National Congress (ANC) has thrown its support behind a parliamentary motion advocating for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the suspension of all diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a ceasefire and engages in binding negotiations facilitated by the United Nations.
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This motion, presented by the Economic Freedom Fighters, an opposition party, has gained momentum.
The ANC’s backing comes as South Africa has already recalled all its diplomats from Israel earlier this month, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic relations.
This move follows the November 9 appeal by three Palestinian organizations—PCHR, Al-Haq, and Al Mezan— to the ICC to swiftly issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials suspected of war crimes
Notably, President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant featured prominently on the Palestinian organizations’ list of Israeli officials to be sued.
Over 11,000 lives have been claimed in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched its murderous offensive on the besieged enclave, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, at least 4,710 children and 3,160 women have perished in the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and the 42-day-long ground invasion of besieged Gaza.
