South African Nationals Serving in Israeli Military to be Arrested Upon Return
Israeli media, citing the South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, reported that South African citizens serving or fighting with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will be arrested upon their return. Pandor’s declaration came during a conference in Pretoria, aimed at expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
This announcement follows a previous alert by the South African Foreign Ministry in December, highlighting potential legal repercussions for those involved in alleged international law violations in Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. South Africa has taken legal action against Israel, filing a complaint at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for purportedly breaching the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The ICJ has responded by mandating Israel to implement measures to prevent genocide, ensure essential services and humanitarian aid in Gaza, and safeguard evidence of convention violations. This comes in the backdrop of Israel’s intensive military operation in Gaza since October 7, sparked by a Hamas incursion, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction.–Web Desk