South Africa Warns to Arrest Citizens Involved in Gaza Genocide

South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, says that South African citizens fighting with Israeli forces in Gaza will face arrest upon returning home. 

This news makes the relationship between the two nations more strained after South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel at the United Nations’ highest court. 

Pardon making this statement at a Palestinian solidarity event. People from South Africa’s main political party, the African National Congress, also attended this event. She urged people to protest outside the embassies of the top countries supporting Israel. These countries likely include the United States, the UK, and Germany. 

I have already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and are fighting alongside or in the Israeli Defense Forces: We are ready. When you come home, we are going to arrest you,” Pandor stated, getting loud applause from the audience. 

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In December, the South African foreign ministry expressed concern over its citizens joining the Israeli forces to fight in Gaza. They said these people could face prosecution under South Africa’s laws about controlling weapons. 

Naledi Pandor’s words signify a toughening of the government’s position on the matter. South Africans who hold citizenship in two countries, especially South Africa and Israel, might lose their South African citizenship because of this. 

The exact number of South African citizens participating in the current conflict in Gaza remains unclear. But South Africa has a sizable Jewish population of approximately 70,000 individuals. 

South Africa has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has criticized what Israel does, even before this current conflict. This issue holds particular significance for the ruling ANC party and for many South Africans. They see similarities between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and how South Africa used to treat non-white people during apartheid, a time of segregation and unfair treatment.