South Africa Condemns Israel’s Actions in Gaza as Starvation Tactics

South Africa condemned Israel for restricting aid to Gaza, labeling it starvation as a weapon of war. The South African foreign ministry urged the international community to hold Israel accountable. In December, South Africa approached the ICJ regarding perceived violations of the Genocide Convention, which Israel denies. The ongoing military operations in the West Bank are also seen as a dangerous escalation, threatening Palestinian self-determination.

On Wednesday, South Africa issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions regarding the restriction of aid into Gaza, labeling it as the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Following a fragile ceasefire that began in January, humanitarian aid was previously able to flow into the region until Israel announced a blockade on Sunday, contingent upon Hamas agreeing to its terms for extending the truce, as reported by News.Az, citing foreign media sources.

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,” referencing its legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for actions deemed plausible genocide against the Palestinian people. They further emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Gaza citizens, who are in urgent need of essential supplies.

The ministry called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. While Israel has expressed interest in extending the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas has pushed for a transition to the next phase of the agreement, aiming for a permanent resolution to the conflict.

In December 2023, South Africa initiated a case at the ICJ, alleging violations of the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, which Israel has adamantly denied. The case has garnered support from several countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya.

Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court lacks the mechanisms for enforcement. South Africa also condemned Israel’s recent military operations in the occupied West Bank, which have expanded into additional areas of Jenin. Reports indicated that at least three individuals were killed during these operations, with differing accounts from Palestinian officials.

South Africa characterized this military escalation as a significant threat to the Palestinian pursuit of self-determination and statehood, expressing concern that the increased Israeli military presence, now at its highest level in the West Bank since 2002, indicates intentions of re-establishing full-scale occupation.

In summary, South Africa has condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing it as a weapon of war associated with starvation. The nation has also highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs of Gazans, calling for international accountability. Furthermore, South Africa’s actions reflect a broader concern over Israel’s military operations in the West Bank, indicating a potential regression in the quest for peace and Palestinian statehood.

Original Source: news.az