NPA roped into Gaza saga?

Two non-profit organisations have approached the National Prosecuting Authority to take action against Israel for war crimes committed in Gaza, and against South Africans who participated in the war late last year.

Former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils said at a press briefing in Newtown, Johannesburg, on Wednesday: "The request appeals to the authorities to investigate and if appropriate prosecute in South Africa individuals involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's Operation Cast Lead."

The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance and the Media Review Network are listed as complainants in an affidavit handed to the NPA.

Kasrils was speaking in support of the initiative at the briefing hosted by the Media Review Network.

The two organisations are also calling for the immediate arrest of Lieutenant David Benjamin, who is currently in South Africa.

The organisations' legal teams have already made three requests to the NPA for the South African-born Israeli soldier's arrest.

Kasrils said the request to file charges was made in terms of Section Five of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act.

It is supported by approximately 3500 pages of evidence, including evidence by Human Rights Watch on the "brutal military onslaught on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force".

Around 70 South Africans are listed in the affidavit for prosecution as they had served in the Israeli army. Their names were withheld due to the fact that they were suspects.

"Evidence collected from eyewitnesses and those injured as well as United Nations and other investigative reports... provide compelling proof that suggests Israelis have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity," Kasrils said.

He added that it was South Africans' duty and responsibility to take actions against the "apartheid state of Israel". He said there was sufficient evidence in the affidavit to the NPA to justify a full and proper investigation into the perpetrators of alleged war crimes.

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