The South African Government has expressed its support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif of Hamas.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, these actions represent a significant advancement towards justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Palestine.
“South Africa reaffirms its commitment to international law and urges all state parties to act in accordance with 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,” the department said.
According to the ICC, the judges have confirmed that, based on the evidence presented, there are reasonable grounds to believe that crimes outlined in the Rome Statute have been committed.
The judges of the ICC have determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Gallant have committed the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare.
They are also accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, acting as direct perpetrators in coordination with others.
“The chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that they are each responsible for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilians as a superior,” the ICC statement read.
Judges found reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas commander Al-Masri, also known as Deif, is responsible for crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
The ICC Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, expressed deep concern about reports of escalating violence, diminishing humanitarian access, and the continued rise of allegations regarding international crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
“We will continue to carry out our mandate to fulfill the fundamental commitment forming the basis of the Rome Statute: that the lives of all human beings have equal value,” Khan added.
The ICC investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crimes of aggression. – SAnews.gov.za
