Cape Town — The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have commended the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the recent arrest warrants issued to Israeli and Hamas leaders.
The ICC announced that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Former Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, and Hamas Leader, Mohammed Deif, have been issued with arrest warrants.
“The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024,” the ICC said
In a statement, DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said the department praised the issuing of the arrest warrants in what was described as a significant step towards justice.
“South Africa reaffirms its commitment to international law and urges all state parties to act by their obligations in the Rome Statute. We call on the global community to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for human rights violations,” Phiri said.
The South African government welcomes the ICC’s recent warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif of Hamas.https://t.co/3FfDnkY5ef pic.twitter.com/csSRqc1nEz
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 21, 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the issuing of the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, a statement said.
“These warrants represent an essential step toward justice for the people of Palestine and accountability for crimes against humanity committed under their leadership,” the party Leigh-Ann Mathys said.
The EFF has condemned all atrocities committed by Israel, including its systematic oppression of Palestinians, unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories, murder, and the calculated deprivation of essential goods to the people of Palestine.
The ICC’s report stated that civilians have died from malnutrition, dehydration and preventable illnesses.
“The issuance of these warrants is a reminder that no individual, no matter how powerful, is above the law. It is also a vindication of the Palestinian people’s struggle for justice and freedom,” Mathys added.
The party called on the ICC to ensure the enforcement of the arrest warrants and justice must not be delayed any longer.
EFF WELCOMES ICC ARREST WARRANTS FOR NETANYAHU AND GALLANT
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) applaud the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants hold them… pic.twitter.com/7soWcafcuB
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 21, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
