Johannesburg: South Africa on Thursday declared that the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant represent a "significant step towards justice for crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Palestine." According to Anadolu Agency, these developments come as the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza continues into its second year. The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants on Thursday against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Mohammed Deif of Hamas highlights the international community's growing concern over the ongoing conflict. Chrispin Phiri, spokesman for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, stated, "These actions mark a significant step towards justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Palestine." The ICC clarified that the arrest warrants were issued in response to crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, starvation, and persecution alleg edly committed by the Israeli leaders. South Africa emphasized the importance of global cooperation in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for human rights violations, urging the international community to act decisively. In a related move, South Africa has brought Israel before the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide in Gaza. This legal action follows Tel Aviv's aerial and ground bombardment of the Palestinian coastal enclave that began last year on October 7th. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of approximately 44,000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are women and children, and has left over 103,000 others injured. Compounding the regional instability, Israel has expanded its military operations to include Lebanon and has periodically targeted Iran and Syria, escalating tensions in the Middle East.