South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, describing it as the use of starvation as a weapon. The South African foreign ministry called for international accountability amid allegations of genocide against Palestinians. It also criticized Israel’s military escalation in the West Bank, stressing the adverse impact on Palestinian self-determination.
On Wednesday, the South African government condemned Israel’s recent decision to restrict aid to Gaza, arguing that such actions constitute the use of starvation as a weapon of war. A fragile ceasefire, which allowed for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza since January, was disrupted when Israel announced that aid deliveries would be blocked until Hamas agreed to its terms for a ceasefire extension. Reports suggest that Israel’s decision could intensify the suffering of Gazans who urgently require food, shelter, and medical supplies.
The South African foreign ministry characterized Israel’s actions as a continuation of its campaign based on a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which suggested the plausibility of genocide against the Palestinian people. South Africa has called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions, emphasizing the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Furthermore, the statement highlighted the conditions in Gaza, mentioning, “The people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering.”
Despite Israel’s expressed desire to extend the current ceasefire until mid-April, the militant group Hamas seeks a transition to a second phase of the agreement that would ideally bring about a permanent resolution to the conflict. In December 2023, South Africa formally accused Israel of violating the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention during a case presented to the ICJ, an allegation that Israel has categorically denied. This case has garnered support from several nations including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya.
In addition to the situation in Gaza, South Africa condemned Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, which have recently intensified in Jenin city. Reports indicate that at least three individuals were killed during these operations, with differing accounts from Israeli and Palestinian officials. South Africa described this escalation as a grave threat to the Palestinian pursuit of self-determination and statehood, noting that the current levels of Israeli military presence in the West Bank are the highest since 2002.
The South African government has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling the blockade of humanitarian aid as a modern-day weapon of starvation. This condemnation aligns with South Africa’s broader advocacy for Palestinian rights, evidenced by its ongoing case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Simultaneously, South Africa’s condemnation of Israeli military actions in the West Bank underscores its support for Palestinian statehood and the urgent need for international accountability regarding these issues.
Original Source: news.az
