We’re not funded by Iran to file case against Israel at ICJ’, South Africa clarifies
South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, has downplayed allegations that the ruling ANC party was partially funded by Iran to file its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The minister, in a press briefing, rubbished the claim as a counter-offensive by Israel and its allies.
She stressed that the claim is a realisation of comments by President Cyril Ramaphosa that his country could face retaliation for seeking legal redress against Israel’s violent military campaigns in Gaza after the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The minister also stated that she had filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court for its “slow pace of action” on South Africa’s case against Israel, particularly the delay in obtaining an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ms Pandor also said that all countries, including the US and other allies, “to cease funding and facilitating Israel’s military actions” in Gaza, stressing that financial support could be “aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide.”
Recall that the International Court of Justice issued a verdict in the case last Thursday, stating that Israel must take all necessary steps to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.
As scores of western countries suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza over allegations that some of its staff were involved in last October’s attack on Israel by Hamas, the minister said South Africa is ready to mobilise countries in the global south to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
