South African Foreign Minister accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Pandor's remarks have drawn attention to South Africa's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications for diplomatic relations.

"The evidence in our view is very clear if you look at the Genocide Convention," Pandor stated firmly, referencing the post-World War II agreement crafted in response to the Holocaust.

"There is a focus on a group with an intent to erase it. Measures taken seek to ensure that there is no life and that an entire group is eradicated."

Pandor's assertion reflects South Africa's position that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide, drawing parallels to the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Late last year, the South African government took the historic step of filing a case with the world’s highest court, accusing Israel of genocide.

Less than a month later, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a momentous ruling, saying it was plausible the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide.

Regarding ongoing demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians, Pandor emphasised the importance of protest in effecting change.

"For us to be invisible in a massive human struggle where we know a huge murder is underway [in Gaza], I think that is unacceptable. And having a large protest with a million people is insufficient. There has to be an ongoing campaign to say to the world,' This can't be,” she asserted. "The world should be horrified."

Pandor also advocated for accountability at the International Criminal Court (ICC), proposing the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for purported war crimes.

"The ICC needs to make a decision," she urged. "We wrote to it with our observations; they must make the decisions."

Pandor also criticised the support of certain nations for Israel's actions, suggesting complicity in the ongoing violence. "They are certainly supporting Israel," she stated, referring to the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and the EU collectively.

Despite facing criticism and diplomatic challenges, Pandor remains resolute in her stance. "We have tabled an allegation that has to be proven by the ICJ," she stated. "I respect the process and want it to be followed."

Regarding the recent ICJ decision, Pandor expressed disappointment but noted the significance of the court's measures. "I do think the fact of the provisional measures was a very important decision in global affairs," she remarked.

In response to allegations of using starvation as a weapon of war, Pandor expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "I think that is happening," she stated. "Insults are the last refuge of a scoundrel. As long as we could save the lives of Palestine, I wouldn't complain."

Pandor also addressed South Africa's stance on citizens fighting in conflicts abroad, particularly in Israel. "We have a law on mercenary activities," she clarified. "If you are a citizen of South Africa, you cannot participate in conflicts in another country without proper authorization."

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