ANC welcomes the issuance of warrants of arrest against Benjamin Netanyahu
22 November 2024
The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the International Criminal Court's (ICC) landmark decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. This historic ruling represents a significant step forward in the global pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people and reaffirms the intemational community's commitment to holding perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international law accountable.
The ANC regards this decision as both a legal victory and a moral triumph. The actions of Netanyahu and Gallant—targeting Palestinian civilians through violence, starvation, and systemic persecution—serve as a grim reminder of the cruelty endured by our people under apartheid. The dehumanisation of Palestinians today mirrors the oppression faced by South Africans during that dark chapter of our history. These parallels remind us that the fight for freedom and dignity is universal, and the struggle of the Palestinian people resonates deeply with our own.
The ANC calls on all nations, institutions, and individuals of conscience to stand steadfast in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The ICC's ruling sends a powerful and unequivocal message: those who commit crimes against humanity will be held accountable. We urge the immediate enforcement of these arrest warrants and call for the continued isolation of Israel until it ceases its violations of international law and fully recognises the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
The ANC firmly believes that the liberation of the Palestinian people is both possible and necessary.
Achieving this requires sustained and united global resistance against injustice and exploitation. The international community must intensify its condemnation of Israel's oppressive actions and extend unwavering support to the Palestinian struggle. As we declared during our own fight against apartheid:
justice delayed is justice denied, and no further bloodshed must go unchallenged.
The ANC reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their fight for justice, freedom, and dignity. As we strive to complete the transformation of South African society, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a world where all people, regardless of race, religion, or geography, can live in peace, equality, and harmony.
Issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, National Spokesperson, ANC, 22 November 2024
