South Africa has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza. The country has called for international accountability, filed a case with the ICJ, and condemned Israeli military actions in the West Bank as a dangerous escalation that threatens Palestinian self-determination.
South Africa has condemned Israel for restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, asserting that such actions constitute the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Following a fragile ceasefire that had allowed humanitarian aid to flow since January, Israel announced on Sunday that it would halt all aid deliveries until Hamas agrees to its ceasefire terms. The South African foreign ministry’s statement emphasized the dire conditions in Gaza, 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.” They further called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Israel has expressed a desire to extend the ceasefire phase until mid-April, while Hamas is negotiating for a transition into a permanent peace agreement to end the conflict. In December 2023, South Africa filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel’s conduct in Gaza violates the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. This claim has garnered support from several nations, including Spain, Bolivia, and Turkey. While the ICJ’s decisions are binding, they lack practical enforcement mechanisms.
Additionally, South Africa condemned Israel’s military actions in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where the Israeli military reported at least three fatalities. They labeled the offensive a “dangerous escalation” that jeopardizes Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and statehood. The statement noted that the Israeli military presence has reached levels not seen since 2002, suggesting an intent to re-establish a full military occupation.
In summary, South Africa has vocally criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, framing the restriction of aid as a weapon of starvation amidst allegations of genocide. The country continues to pursue legal avenues through the ICJ while condemning Israel’s military operations in the West Bank. With growing international support, South Africa advocates for accountability and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
