Recent reports have surfaced, indicating that some South African citizens and permanent residents are joining the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) army amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
DIRCO blasts SA citizens for joining IDF in Gaza war
This development prompted a serious response from the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), who, in a statement, warned that joining the IDF or any foreign military force without proper authorisation contravenes South African laws, specifically the Regulation of the Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998 and the South African Citizenship Act of 1995.
“Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa,” DIRCO explained.
Even worse, the department warned, such actions can lead to the potential loss of South African citizenship.
The exact number of SA citizens who have joined or are contemplating joining the IDF remains undisclosed.
“It is in this context, that South African citizens should be made aware of the consequences of joining the IDF or any foreign armed forces involved in conflicts with a view to preventing inadvertent complicity in international crimes or violations of domestic law,” the department warned.
What are the latest updates on the Gaza war?
The Gaza war has seen a significant escalation in recent times. The latest reports indicate:
- A staggering death toll of 19 076 Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, with around 1 200 people killed in Israel since the conflict’s escalation on 7 October 2023.
- The Gaza health ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza alone has surpassed 17 700, with an additional 48 780 people wounded due to incessant Israeli bombardment.
- A recent Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza resulted in at least 26 fatalities. This event has intensified international calls for a ceasefire.
- Despite overwhelming international support for a ceasefire, as urged by the UN General Assembly, efforts have been hampered, notably by the US vetoing a Security Council resolution.
- An Israeli strike on Jabalia refugee camp resulted in 90 Palestinian deaths, underscoring the severe human toll of the conflict.
What is South Africa’s stance on the Gaza conflict?
South Africa has remained consistent in its condemnation of Israel’s aggressive stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution,” DIRCO noted in a statement released earlier this month