Image Source: Arab News
Syria – Over the weekend, the South African Government issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Syrian Arab Republic.
Reports suggest that Israeli airstrikes on 14 November 2024 targeted the Mazzeh and Qudsaya suburbs of Damascus, killing over 20 people, injuring many others, and causing significant destruction to buildings within residential areas.
While Israel claimed the strikes were aimed at military sites and the headquarters of Islamic Jihad, South Africa voiced grave concerns about their proximity to civilian areas and diplomatic missions, including the South African Embassy and United Nations offices.
“The recent attack of 14 November 2024 in the Damascus suburb of Mazzeh, in proximity to the South African Embassy, other diplomatic missions and United Nations offices, is a blatant disregard of international law and the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
In response to these attacks, the South African government expressed its deepest condolences to the Syrian government and its people, especially to the families of those who lost their lives. It also criticised the broader impact of these strikes, which it argued are eroding peace and stability on a global scale.
“The continued aggression undermines regional and international peace and security. The more than 120 attacks on Syria since 7 October 2023 have added to the worsening humanitarian crisis currently in the Middle East.”
The government also called on the United Nations to step up and take action against Israel’s ongoing assaults in the Middle East. In addition, it urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable under the principles of the UN Charter.
