South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating it is a tactic of starvation and a potential violation of international law as per the ICJ. The country calls for international accountability and has filed a case claiming genocide against Israel. It also criticized Israel’s military actions in the West Bank, calling it a dangerous escalation against Palestinian self-determination.
On Wednesday, South Africa issued a strong condemnation of Israel for its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, characterizing it as the use of starvation as a weapon of war. This announcement came after a fragile ceasefire that began in January had previously allowed a substantial influx of aid to the region before Israel decided to restrict supplies pending Hamas’s agreement to new terms.
The South African foreign ministry stated, “Preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war as part of the ongoing campaign of what the ICJ ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.” The ministry underscored the urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies among the people of Gaza experiencing extreme hardship.
South Africa called for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. While Israel has expressed a desire to prolong the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas is pushing for a transition to a more permanent agreement. In December 2023, South Africa presented a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that the conflict in Gaza constitutes a violation of the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a charge that Israel has refuted.
Various countries including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya have supported South Africa in the ICJ proceeding. Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court lacks the authority to enforce its rulings.
Additionally, South Africa condemned Israel’s military actions in the occupied West Bank, which have recently intensified in areas such as Jenin city, resulting in fatalities. South Africa described this offensive as a dangerous escalation that jeopardizes Palestinian aspirations for self-determination. They noted that the Israeli military presence is at its highest level since 2002, indicating a potential intent to reinstate a full-scale military occupation.
South Africa has vocally condemned Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, labeling the action as a war tactic of starvation and a violation of international law. The country calls for accountability from the international community and has initiated proceedings at the ICJ regarding potential genocide allegations against Israel. Additionally, it has denounced escalating military operations in the West Bank, which threaten Palestinian statehood aspirations. The situation remains critical as the global community responds to these developments.
Original Source: news.az
