South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, categorically dismissed claims that the ruling ANC party received financial support from Iran to initiate its ‘genocide’ legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Addressing the media during a press briefing on Wednesday, Minister Pandor described the allegations as a counter-offensive orchestrated by Israel and its allies. This assertion aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier comments, where he warned of potential repercussions for South Africa’s pursuit of legal action against Israel.
The ICJ recently delivered a verdict in the case, mandating that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.
Minister Pandor expressed her dissatisfaction with the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the “slow pace of action” regarding South Africa’s referral against Israel. She specifically highlighted the delay in issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Additionally, Pandor called on all nations to fulfill their obligation to cease funding and facilitate Israel’s military actions in Gaza, emphasising that continued financial support could be construed as aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide.
To address the humanitarian situation, the minister proposed mobilising countries in the global south to provide assistance to Palestinians, particularly in light of recent aid cuts. Several western countries had recently discontinued funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, citing allegations that some of its staff were involved in last October’s attack on Israel by Hamas.