South Africa Condemns Recent Israeli Air Strikes on Gaza and Calls for Accountability

South Africa condemned the Israeli air strikes on Gaza, labeling them a violation of international law. The air strikes have worsened humanitarian issues, leading to severe shortages for Gazans amidst an ongoing blockade. South Africa has sought intervention from the International Court of Justice regarding these military actions.

South Africa has issued a strong condemnation of the recent Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, characterizing them as “a blatant violation of international law.” The statement from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) emphasized the deadly nature of these strikes, which persisted despite ongoing peace negotiations aimed at maintaining a cease-fire.

The DIRCO articulated grave concerns regarding the air strikes, particularly their impact on densely populated areas, makeshift schools, and residential buildings serving as shelters. The aerial bombardment has exacerbated existing humanitarian crises, leaving millions in Gaza suffering from critical shortages of food and water, especially as Israel continues its blockade and has ordered new forced displacements in several regions.

Additionally, South Africa condemned similar air strikes carried out by Israel in southern Syria that resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries. The Israeli military action in Gaza has reportedly claimed at least 413 lives as of Tuesday and jeopardized a cease-fire established nearly two months prior.

In light of these developments, South Africa has previously approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, seeking a mandate for Israel to cease its offensive actions against Palestine, which South Africa categorizes as genocide. Following this, in January 2024, the ICJ directed Israel to take necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the besieged Gaza Strip.

In summary, South Africa strongly condemned the Israeli air strikes on Gaza, deeming them a serious breach of international law. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by blockades and air strikes, has led to widespread shortages of essentials. Furthermore, global legal efforts are underway to address these disputes, as South Africa calls for greater accountability from Israel regarding its military actions in the region.

Original Source: english.news.cn