'The law must be applied equally': SA welcomes war crimes warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday welcomed an effort to arrest the leaders of both Hamas and Israel on war crimes charges, expressing no reservations about the action against a group Israel has insisted is an ally of South Africa.

"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," said Ramaphosa in a statement, echoing the words of International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan earlier in the day.

South Africa has sought to hold Israel responsible for what it says is genocide in the Gaza Strip, while keeping up friendly relations with Hamas. So friendly, Israel told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) again on Friday, that it considers South Africa to be an ally of Hamas, working closely with it to give Hamas an advantage in the war.