President Cyril Ramaphosa has thrown his weight behind the International Criminal Court‘s (ICC) prosecutor’s decision to request warrants of arrest for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, also requested arrest warrants for Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three senior Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing war on Gaza.
Khan announced on Monday that he had reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu, Gallant, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, and other leaders of the organisation have criminal responsibility for the alleged crimes committed since the fighting started in October.
Equal application of the law
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, emphasised the importance of equal application of the law to uphold justice and accountability.
“The law must be applied equally to all in order to uphold the international rule of law, ensure accountability for those who commit heinous crimes, and protect the rights of victims,” said Magwenya.
“The Rome Statute is premised on holding those most responsible for atrocity crimes accountable for their conduct.”
Ramaphosa reaffirmed the country’s dedication to human rights and the peaceful resolution of international disputes, highlighting the country’s efforts to address the conflict through legal avenues.
Citing the paralysis of the UN’s Security Council in handling the Gaza war, Ramaphosa noted South Africa’s approach to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the Genocide Convention to restrain Israel and protect Palestinians.
The president pointed to the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by widespread food insecurity and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, as a critical concern.
The country’s ICJ appeal sought provisional measures against Israel to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
SA committed to the rule of law
“South Africa is committed to the international rule of law, universal respect for human rights, the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation and not war, and the self-determination of all people, including the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa said.
The president further underscored the urgency of ending hostilities, releasing hostages, and withdrawing Israeli military forces from Gaza as essential steps towards protecting civilians and achieving lasting peace.
“We have also consistently held that all participants in the conflict must ensure that fighting and hostilities come to an immediate end, that all hostages must be released immediately, and that Israel immediately withdraws its military forces from Gaza.
“This is the only way in which the rights of the Palestinian civilian population can be protected and the basis for sustainable peace can be achieved,” said Ramaphosa.
