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World – Following Israel’s repeated violations of the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the South African government has expressed grave concern over renewed Israeli airstrikes, which killed more than 100 Palestinians between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The escalation followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for “immediate powerful strikes,” after Israel accused Hamas of breaching the truce agreement.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the latest attacks threaten to undo progress made under the Gaza Peace Plan, which had sought to stabilise the region and facilitate humanitarian access.
The department warned that the strikes deepen the humanitarian crisis and jeopardise efforts toward long-term peace.
“It is disheartening to note that these developments happened after Israel recently claimed that it had resumed enforcing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire after conducting dozens of deadly strikes, killing Palestinians, since the Gaza Peace Plan came into effect on 10 October 2025,” the department stated.
DIRCO said the Gaza Peace Plan was regarded as a critical step towards restoring calm and ensuring aid reached civilians trapped in Gaza.
The plan had raised hopes for de-escalation, allowing for humanitarian relief and rebuilding efforts to begin.
“The Gaza Peace Plan had brought hope that the ceasefire agreement would hold, that adequate humanitarian assistance would be allowed into Gaza, and that Israel’s military offensive would be halted,” the statement read.
Officials said the ongoing airstrikes contradict the spirit of the ceasefire agreement and urged Israel to comply fully with its commitments.
Concern over the ICJ ruling and legal obligations
DIRCO also raised an alarm that the airstrikes came only days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a legal opinion on Israel’s conduct as an occupying power.
The department said the timing of the attacks undermines Israel’s obligations under international law and raises questions about its commitment to accountability.
“South Africa is further concerned that Israel’s actions come days after the International Court of Justice issued a legal opinion,” the department said.
The court’s opinion reaffirmed Israel’s responsibilities under international humanitarian law, stating that as the occupying power, it must act within the framework of the law of occupation and comply with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
South Africa reiterated its call for restraint and renewed its appeal for an end to the hostilities.
“South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and calls for full adherence to the ceasefire deal by Israel, as it is vital for preserving the prospects for lasting peace and ensuring regional security.”
