SA joins nations in ICC complaint against Israel
President Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s formal complaint against Israel at the ICC during his Qatar visit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared South Africa’s participation in a coalition, filing a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court against the Israel government. During his visit to Qatar, commemorated 30 years of diplomatic ties.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, initiated by Hamas attacks on 7 October, Ramaphosa criticised ongoing operations, especially the targeting of hospitals.
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“We are opposed to the operation that is ongoing as it is now targeting hospitals, where babies, women, and the injured are dying like flies and where care of life is something that is completely ignored and put aside,” said Ramaphosa.
ISRAEL HAS REPORTED HOW MANY DEATHS?
Conflicting casualty figures have arisen, with Israel reporting 1400 deaths and Hamas claiming 11 320, mostly civilians and thousands of children. The South African government expressed solidarity with Palestine, condemning civilian casualties on both sides.
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Pro-Palestine groups in Pretoria called for the removal of the Israeli Ambassador. Ramaphosa affirmed South Africa’s referral of Israeli actions to the ICC.
“As South Africa, we have accordingly, together with other countries, seen fit to refer this Israel government actions to the International Criminal Court because we believe war crimes are being committed there,” he said.
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While denouncing Hamas’ actions, he emphasised the imperative of a two-state solution, characterising Gaza as a “concentration camp where genocide is taking place.”
RAMAPHOSA LAUDED QATAR’S MEDIATION EFFORTS AMID THE CRISIS
Ramaphosa lauded Qatar’s mediation efforts amid the crisis, stating, “We have been advocating that the crisis between Israel and Palestine needs to be resolved in a two-state solution.”
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This announcement aligns South Africa with a coalition of nations seeking the ICC investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing the conflict through international legal avenues.
The President’s nuanced approach acknowledges complexities while emphasising the urgency of addressing civilian suffering.