South Africa Accuses Israel of Starvation Tactics in Gaza Conflict
South Africa has condemned Israel’s restriction of aid to Gaza, describing it as a use of starvation as a weapon of war, and has called for accountability from the international community. The foreign ministry emphasized the urgent needs of the Gazan population and reiterated its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice regarding allegations of genocide. Additionally, South Africa condemned Israel’s offensive actions in the occupied West Bank, citing them as escalations that threaten Palestinian self-determination.
On Wednesday, South Africa condemned Israel for restricting aid to Gaza, describing it as an instance of using starvation as a weapon of war. The current situation follows a fragile ceasefire that commenced in January, during which humanitarian aid was able to flow into Gaza. However, after announcing the restriction of aid on Sunday, Israel indicated that it would continue to block assistance until Hamas agreed to its conditions for a truce extension.
The South African foreign ministry issued a statement claiming that Israel’s actions represent a continuation of using starvation as a tactic in its campaign against the Palestinian people, which, according to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), constitutes a plausible genocide. Additionally, the ministry emphasized that the people of Gaza are currently enduring extreme hardships and are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical supplies.
South Africa has called upon the international community to ensure accountability for Israel’s actions. While Israel has proposed extending the current ceasefire through mid-April, Hamas is advocating for a transition to a permanent cessation of hostilities following its attack on Israel in October 2023.
In December 2023, South Africa lodged a case with the ICJ asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza are in violation of the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a claim that Israel categorically denies. Several countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkiye, Chile, and Libya, have expressed support for South Africa’s position in the ICJ.
Although ICJ rulings are binding, the court lacks the mechanisms for enforcement. South Africa also expressed condemnation of Israel’s military actions in the occupied West Bank, which have reportedly expanded into additional areas including Jenin city. According to Israeli military sources, at least three individuals were killed during these operations, while Palestinian officials report two deaths.
The South African government denounced the offensives as a dangerous escalation that further undermines Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and statehood. They highlighted that the current level of Israeli military presence in the West Bank is the highest recorded since 2002, indicating an intention to intensify military occupation. The present offensive, which began on January 21 near Palestinian refugee camps known for militancy, has led to widespread displacement of tens of thousands and marked the first deployment of Israeli tanks in the region in two decades.
South Africa’s denunciation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank highlights a pressing humanitarian crisis and raises serious legal and ethical concerns. The South African government’s appeal to the international community reflects its commitment to ensuring accountability under international law. The situation continues to evolve amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian needs, underscoring the complexity of achieving peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
