South Africa condemns Israel for restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza and accuses it of using starvation as a weapon of war. The foreign ministry highlights the urgent needs of Gazans and calls for international accountability. Additionally, South Africa condemns Israeli military actions in the West Bank, viewing them as escalatory threats to Palestinian self-determination.
South Africa has accused Israel of employing starvation as a wartime tactic, citing recent restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Following a fragile ceasefire that started in January, aid was flowing until Israel announced on Sunday that it would block deliveries unless Hamas accepted terms for a truce extension. The South African foreign ministry stated that preventing food access is part of Israel’s ongoing campaign, which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has identified as potentially genocidal against Palestinians.
The ministry emphasized that Gazans are suffering immensely and urgently require food, shelter, and medical supplies. South Africa called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for these actions. While Israel aims to prolong the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas is pushing for a transition to a more permanent peace agreement aimed at resolving the conflict definitively.
In December 2023, South Africa brought forth a case to the ICJ, asserting that the Gaza war violates the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a charge Israel vehemently denies. Various countries, including Spain, Bolivia, and Turkey, have supported South Africa’s case. Although ICJ judgments are binding, the court lacks effective enforcement mechanisms.
In addition to the situation in Gaza, South Africa condemned recent Israeli military actions in the West Bank, particularly in the Jenin area. Reports indicate that Israeli military operations resulted in at least three fatalities, although Palestinian officials reported two deaths. South Africa labeled these operations as a “dangerous escalation” that undermines the Palestinian pursuit of self-determination and statehood. The Israeli military presence in the West Bank is reportedly at its highest since 2002, raising concerns about the potential re-establishment of military occupation.
In summary, South Africa has accused Israel of using starvation as a strategy in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. The nation’s foreign ministry calls for international accountability regarding Israel’s actions. Furthermore, South Africa condemns escalating Israeli military operations in the West Bank, fearing that they threaten the aspirations of Palestinians for statehood. This situation highlights ongoing tensions over humanitarian aid and military actions in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
