South Africa has condemned Israel’s restriction of aid into Gaza, accusing it of using starvation as a weapon of war. The country has called for international accountability and raised concerns regarding Israel’s military actions in the West Bank. Pretoria’s ICJ case claims violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention, joined by several other nations in support.
On Wednesday, the South African government criticized Israel for its restrictions on aid entering Gaza, labeling it an act of war through starvation. This condemnation followed an announcement from Israel blocking humanitarian deliveries until Hamas agrees to terms for a ceasefire extension, breaking a fragile humanitarian influx seen since January.
The South African foreign ministry stated, “Preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war” and noted that the suffering of Gaza’s population is immeasurable. Pretoria urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
While Israel aims to prolong the current ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas seeks a transition to the next phase of negotiations leading to an end of hostilities. In December 2023, South Africa presented a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) arguing that the Gaza conflict violates the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, which Israel vehemently denies.
Numerous nations have supported South Africa’s legal stance, including Spain, Bolivia, and Turkiye. It is noted that while ICJ rulings are legally binding, the court lacks the means to enforce them.
Additionally, South Africa condemned Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where recent violence has been reported. The South African government deemed the offensive as a dangerous escalation impeding the Palestinian quest for self-determination, and remarked on the high levels of Israeli military presence since 2002.
Since January 21, Israel’s offensive in the West Bank has expanded, resulting in significant displacement among the Palestinian population and marking the return of Israeli tanks to the area for the first time in two decades.
In summary, South Africa has strongly denounced Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza and characterized it as a weaponized form of starvation. Attention has also been drawn to Israel’s military actions in the West Bank. Pretoria has amplified its calls for the international community to take accountability measures while seeking legal recourse through the ICJ regarding potential genocide violations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
