South Africa’s foreign minister has said that South African nationals who travel to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip will be arrested upon their return, a move that is sure to worsen relations between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor made the comments earlier this week at a Palestine solidarity event attended by officials from South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party.
“I have already issued a statement to warn South Africans who are fighting alongside or as part of the IDF: We are ready. We will arrest them when they return.” There was a big round of applause from the audience. .
Seven American and Israeli nationals kidnapped in October have been confirmed dead, IDF announces.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said earlier this week that his nationals fighting with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza would be arrested upon their return. (AP Photo/Patrick Post/File)
The Foreign Ministry said in December that the government was concerned that some Israeli citizens and permanent residents were joining the IDF to fight in Gaza. The ministry warned that they could be prosecuted if permission was not obtained under South Africa’s Arms Control Act.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced that dual South African-Israeli nationals may have their South African citizenship revoked.
South Africa has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, following the terrorist group’s attack on the Jewish state on October 7 and following Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces continue to battle Hamas. I’m accusing them of being there.
South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
In January, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) criticized South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel, saying African countries should focus on quelling unrest on their continent. said.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) speaks at a press conference with the families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
“And now South Africa…is filing that kind of lawsuit. Maybe South Africa should shut up about this trial when they’re criticizing the actions of other countries. Shut up!” Fetterman told the Orthodox Church in Washington. He spoke during a speech at an alliance luncheon. , D.C.
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Israel denies claims that it has imposed an apartheid state on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
It is not clear how many South Africans have fought for Israel during the current conflict.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
