The ICC prosecutor pursuing warrants for Israel and Hamas leaders is welcomed in South Africa

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor announced on Monday that he had sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas commanders on suspicion of war crimes. The South African presidency welcomed this development.

The office of President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in a statement that “the law must be applied equally to all in order to uphold the international rule of law, ensure accountability for those that commit heinous crimes, and protect the rights of victims.”

Leading the way in supporting the rights of Palestinians, South Africa has also filed a complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice, charging it with genocide, a charge it disputes.

Leaders of both Israel and Hamas have refuted accusations of war crimes, and they have criticized the prosecutor’s choice.