South Africa condemns Israel for blocking food aid to Gaza, asserting it uses starvation as a weapon of war. The country appeals for international accountability. Since the ceasefire in January, Israel has threatened to halt aid unless Hamas agrees to terms for extension. South Africa is pursuing legal actions against Israel in the International Court of Justice for violations of the UN Genocide Convention. Furthermore, the expansion of Israeli military operations in the West Bank has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
On Wednesday, the South African government issued a robust condemnation regarding Israel’s blockade of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, characterizing this action as a weapon of war employed against the Palestinian populace. The South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that such blockades perpetuate a strategy of starvation fostered by the Israeli regime amidst what the International Court of Justice has deemed a plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.
The statement further highlighted the dire humanitarian situation faced by the people of Gaza, who are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical supplies. South Africa has called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The blockade follows a ceasefire that had previously permitted humanitarian aid into Gaza, initiated by an agreement in January.
Israel has recently announced that it would halt aid deliveries until Hamas agrees to its terms for extending the ceasefire, which the regime wishes to prolong until mid-April. Hamas rejects this extension, advocating instead for a transition to a second phase of the agreement aimed at permanently ending Israel’s campaign against the Palestinian people.
Additionally, South Africa has brought forth a case at the International Court of Justice, asserting that Israel’s actions during the Gaza war violate the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Numerous countries, including Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey, have lent their political support to this initiative.
Moreover, South Africa has voiced its disapproval concerning Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, specifically around Jenin. This operation marks a significant escalation in military actions since the January ceasefire agreement, and is considered one of the largest military campaigns since the Second Intifada.
South Africa has characterized this offensive as a dangerous escalation that threatens the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood. Israel asserts that these operations are aimed at combating Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, though these actions have resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of individuals from their homes.
In summary, South Africa’s strong condemnation of Israel’s blockade of Gaza emphasizes the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people. The nation urges the international community to take action against Israel’s continued aggression and highlights the need for accountability regarding alleged violations of international law. Amidst ongoing conflicts, the wider implications for peace and stability in the region remain pressing issues.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
