South Africa Accuses Israel of Starvation Tactics in Gaza Crisis

South Africa has accused Israel of using starvation tactics in Gaza due to blockades on aid. The country reiterated its stance at the International Court of Justice regarding genocide accusations. Additionally, South Africa condemned Israel’s military escalation in the West Bank, emphasizing the threat to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

On Wednesday, South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, claiming it amounts to the use of starvation as a weapon of war. This accusation follows the fragile ceasefire established in January, which had allowed some aid to reach the region until Israel announced on Sunday that it would halt deliveries until Hamas accepted specific conditions for an extended truce.

The South African foreign ministry emphasized the ongoing suffering of the Gazan people, stating, “Preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war as part of the ongoing campaign of what the ICJ ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.” The ministry highlighted the urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies in Gaza and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.

While Israel has expressed a desire to extend the ceasefire until mid-April, Hamas is advocating for a transition to a second phase of the agreement, aiming for a permanent resolution to the conflict. In December 2023, South Africa initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a claim firmly rejected by Israel. Several countries, including Spain, Bolivia, and Turkey, have supported South Africa’s ICJ case.

Furthermore, South Africa condemned Israel’s military actions in the occupied West Bank, which have recently escalated in Jenin. Israeli military reports indicated casualties, with three deaths confirmed, while Palestinian officials reported two fatalities. South Africa characterized the situation as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens the Palestinian pursuit of self-determination and statehood, asserting that the increased Israeli military presence highlights an intent to reinstate full-scale military occupation.

In summary, South Africa’s allegations against Israel highlight significant humanitarian concerns regarding the situation in Gaza, particularly the blockade of aid. The call for international accountability reflects broader geopolitical tensions, while preparations for ICJ proceedings underscore serious accusations of human rights violations. Additionally, the escalation of military actions in the West Bank raises alarms about the ongoing conflict and its implications for Palestinian statehood aspirations.

Original Source: www.newarab.com