South Africa denounces Israel for restricting aid to Gaza, claiming it amounts to weaponized starvation. The country has called for international accountability and supports a case at the ICJ alleging genocide. Furthermore, Israel’s increased military presence in the West Bank poses a threat to Palestinian self-determination, as tensions escalate amidst ongoing conflicts.
On Wednesday, South Africa condemned Israel for restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating this action constitutes the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Following a brief ceasefire since January, Israel announced on Sunday that it would halt aid deliveries unless Hamas agreed to its conditions for extending the truce. The South African foreign ministry declared that preventing food aid is part of Israel’s ongoing campaign that has been ruled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as potentially genocidal against Palestinians.
The foreign ministry emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, describing the people as experiencing “immeasurable suffering” and expressing urgent needs for essential supplies such as food, shelter, and medical care. South Africa also urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. While Israel seeks to extend the current ceasefire phase until mid-April, Hamas demands a transition to the next phase, aiming for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
In December 2023, South Africa presented a case to the ICJ, claiming Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a charge Israel has categorically denied. Additionally, multiple countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkiye, Chile, and Libya, have supported South Africa’s position in the ICJ proceedings. Despite international rulings being legally binding, enforcement remains a challenge.
Furthermore, South Africa condemned Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, which have recently escalated to include more areas in Jenin. Reports indicate that at least three individuals were killed during the offensive, although Palestinian officials noted a lower death toll. South Africa characterized this military action as a dangerous escalation threatening Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The increased Israeli military presence, now at its highest since 2002, suggests intentions to re-establish full military occupation, particularly in regions that have seen the deployment of tanks for the first time in two decades, displacing many residents.
In summary, South Africa has vocally criticized Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlighted the ensuing humanitarian crisis as tantamount to using starvation as warfare. The nation has also sought accountability from the international community regarding Israel’s actions in the region. The ongoing military operations in the West Bank further exacerbate tensions, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of Palestinian rights and livelihoods.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
