South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has denied allegations that the ruling African National Congress, ANC, party received financial backing from Iran to file its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, ICJ.
During a press briefing, the minister termed the allegations as a counter-offensive by Israel and its allies, echoing earlier comments by President Cyril Ramaphosa that his country could face retaliation for pursuing legal action against Israel.
Last week, ICJ delivered a ruling in the case, saying that Israel must take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.
The minister also said that she had complained to the International Criminal Court over what she described as “slow pace of action” on South Africa’s referral against Israel, including the delay in issuing an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.