Image Source: Los Angeles Times
Occupied Palestine – South Africa has strongly condemned Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and its decision to close border crossings.
In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation emphasized that this comes at a time when the people of Gaza are enduring immense suffering and urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies.
The government stated that preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war, aligning with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling that found a plausible case of genocide against the Palestinian people.
“South Africa concurs with Qatar, one of the Guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, that halting the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
“South Africa calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the safe, continuous, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.”
The government has also supported the Guarantors’ continued efforts to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement. It criticized Israel’s failure to release 620 Palestinian prisoners, stating that this breach undermines the negotiated terms.
“South Africa once again calls on the international community to act with urgency and decisive action to address the continued systematic violation of international law and international humanitarian and human rights law.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also called on Israel to immediately lift its suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the need for unrestricted access in a secure environment for both civilians and humanitarian workers.
He further stated that he had “urged all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to hostilities in Gaza” and to find a way to implement the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
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Condemnation of Israeli Aggression in the West Bank
Beyond Gaza, the South African government has also denounced Israel’s escalating military operations in the West Bank, warning that they threaten Palestinian self-determination.
The forced displacement of 40,000 Palestinians from areas like Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams endangers the existence of Palestinian refugee camps and violates the right of return.
Additionally, Israel’s ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) activities in these areas further strips displaced Palestinians of crucial aid and oversight.
“The expanded Israeli military presence, now at its highest levels in the West Bank since 2002, signals an intent to re-establish full-scale military occupation and undermines the Palestinian Authority and its governance.”
Furthermore, Pretoria welcomed the resolutions reached at the Arab League Emergency Summit on March 4th, which advocated for a Palestinian-led settlement in Gaza while rejecting ethnic cleansing and forced displacement.
“South Africa supports the Arab League’s call for a UN international peacekeeping force in the West Bank and Gaza to ensure security and stability.”
