South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said South African nationals who fought with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza would be arrested upon their return, according to the Associated Press.
“I have already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and are fighting… We are ready. When you come home, we are going to arrest you,” she said at a Palestinian solidarity event earlier this week.
It is unclear how many people may be affected.
South Africa already warned its citizens last year that they could be punished if they fought the IDF.
South Africa has been at the forefront of diplomatic opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, which has resulted in the killing of more than 1,200 people and the kidnapping of many more.
The Minister of Justice, who has filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice, is investigating whether Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.