The South African government has voiced its support for the decision by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, to apply for arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. A pro-Israel organisation, however, has condemned it.

On Monday, Khan announced his move to apply for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This action follows the October attack on Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.

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Since the announcement, South Africa has voiced strong support for the Khan’s decision. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of equal application of the law to maintain the international rule of law and accountability for heinous crimes. He highlighted South Africa’s commitment to human rights and peaceful resolution, as well as the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has led the country to seek judicial intervention from the International Court of Justice.

“We have also consistently held that all participants to 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.”

However, Khan’s decision has faced some criticism. The South African Zionist Federation argue that the move is politically motivated and undermines the rule of law. Spokesperson, Rolene Marks, says equating the actions of Israeli leaders with those of Hamas is a misjudgement.

“To include, in a single application, the names of three leaders of a terrorist organisation alongside those of democratically elected leaders who make difficult decisions regarding the safety of their country, is to make a mockery of the concepts “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity”. Israel is taking legitimate military action to protect itself against a genocidal terrorist entity whose stated mission is the destruction of the Israeli state.”

Marks also pointed to South Africa’s selective enforcement of ICC warrants, notably its inaction regarding Sudanese leader, Omar Al-Bashir, and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, as evidence of hypocrisy.