South Africa Condemns Israel for Starvation Tactics and Military Escalation

South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, citing starvation as a weapon of war. The government emphasized the urgent necessities for the Gazan populace and called for international accountability. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding Israel’s military operations in the West Bank, which have escalated significantly.

On Wednesday, the South African government condemned Israel’s recent blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, asserting that it constitutes the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Following a fragile ceasefire that allowed for humanitarian deliveries, Israel declared on Sunday that aid would be halted until Hamas agreed to its terms for an extension of the truce.

The South African foreign ministry issued a statement indicating, “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 … against the Palestinian people.” They highlighted the critical situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies.

Calls for international accountability towards Israel were reiterated by South Africa. Israel desires to extend the ceasefire phase until mid-April; however, Hamas has insisted on progressing to the next phase aimed at achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.

In December 2023, South Africa filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), claiming that Israel’s actions violate the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a charge which Israel vehemently denies. Other nations, including Spain, Bolivia, and Mexico, have supported South Africa’s position in this matter.

Furthermore, the South African government condemned Israel’s military actions in the occupied West Bank, which have escalated in the Jenin area, resulting in casualties. The offensive was labeled as a significant escalation threatening Palestinian self-determination.

The foreign ministry noted that the increased Israeli military presence in the West Bank, the highest since 2002, suggests an intention to restore full military occupation. Since the occupation began in 1967, Israeli forces have regularly conducted raids in the region. The current military operations have led to widespread displacement and the deployment of tanks in areas not seen for two decades.

The South African government has vocally criticized Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and its military actions in the West Bank, framing these measures as violations of international law and human rights. With appeals for accountability directed at the international community and ongoing legal actions at the ICJ, the situation remains tense, reflecting broader geopolitical conflicts affecting Palestinian self-determination and humanitarian needs.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com