The South African government has welcomed the International Criminals Court's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders.
The ICC stated that the warrants are for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023, until May 20, 2024.
The ICC said the arrest warrants had been classified as 'secret' to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, said the step underscores the international community’s determination to hold individuals accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, reaffirming the fundamental principles of international law and justice.
In a statement on Thursday, Simelane explained that the ICC’s warrants mark a critical moment in addressing decades of impunity surrounding serious violations in Palestine.
She noted that the ICC’s findings provide compelling evidence that both Netanyahu and Gallant intentionally deprived the civilian population of Gaza of essential resources, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.
"Their actions, which obstructed humanitarian aid and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law," she said.
“This development as a significant affirmation of South Africa’s long-standing advocacy for Palestinian rights,” Simelane said.
“This step by the ICC is a vindication of South Africa’s position, which has been canvassed extensively before the International Court of Justice. The international community can no longer ignore the glaring evidence of genocide and systemic violations of international law in Gaza.”
She said South Africa, alongside other nations, has consistently called for accountability to address the atrocities committed against Palestinians.
SA filed an application with the Hague-based ICJ on December 29, 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
According to the United Nations (UN), 14 other countries have supported SA's mission including; Bolivia, Chile, Maldives, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Türkiye, Egypt and Mexico.
Simelane added that no individual, government official, or even a nation-state is considered to be above the rules established by international laws and conventions.
“The ICC’s action sends a powerful message that accountability is not optional but a cornerstone of a just and equitable global order,” Simelane said.
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