South Africa condemned Israel for restricting aid to Gaza, labeling it starvation as a weapon of war. The country accused Israel of plausible genocide at the ICJ and called for international accountability. Additionally, it criticized Israel’s military actions in the West Bank, emphasizing the escalation of violence and its impact on Palestinian self-determination.
On Wednesday, South Africa publicly condemned Israel’s recent restrictions on aid to Gaza, deeming these actions as a form of utilizing starvation as a weapon in warfare. Following a brief ceasefire initiated in January, humanitarian aid had been flowing into Gaza until Israel announced on Sunday that it would halt aid deliveries until Hamas complied with its terms for extending the truce, as reported by News.Az.
In a statement, the South African foreign ministry highlighted, “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 emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Gazans, stating, “The people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently need food, shelter and medical supplies.”
Furthermore, South Africa called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. While Israel expressed its desire to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas demanded a transition to the agreement’s second phase, which aims for a lasting peace.
In December 2023, South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza contravene the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Several other countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya, have lent their support to this case. Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, enforcement mechanisms are limited.
In addition to the situation in Gaza, South Africa condemned Israel’s military operations in the West Bank, which have intensified in areas such as Jenin city. Reports indicated that at least three individuals were killed during these operations, with the Israeli military confirming casualties while Palestinian officials reported differing numbers. South Africa referred to this military escalation as a “dangerous escalation” that jeopardizes Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and statehood.
In summary, South Africa has vocally condemned Israel’s military strategies in Gaza and the West Bank, advocating against the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The country has called for international accountability regarding Israel’s actions and renewed its push for a ruling against Israel at the ICJ. With growing international support for South Africa’s stance, the situation remains a critical point of discussion in global human rights debates.
Original Source: news.az
