South Africa condemned the Israeli air strikes on Gaza, labeling them a violation of international law. The strikes targeted civilian areas, leading to severe humanitarian concerns. South Africa has also sought intervention from the International Court of Justice to address these issues and prevent further violations.
On March 19, South Africa expressed strong condemnation of the recent Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, describing them as “a blatant violation of international law.” The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DRICO) emphasized that these air strikes followed Israel’s failure to fulfill the second stage of a peace agreement, undermining ongoing negotiations to maintain a cease-fire.
The DRICO statement highlighted that the air strikes targeted densely populated neighborhoods, makeshift schools, and residential areas where civilians had sought refuge, which constitutes a violation of both international law and humanitarian standards. The Department expressed grave concern over the ongoing military actions, particularly the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where millions are experiencing critical shortages of food and water due to the blockade imposed by Israel.
Furthermore, South Africa condemned the Israeli air strikes on southern Syria that resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 19 others. Reports indicated that the Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed at least 413 people on that day, raising alarms about the escalation of violence unless Hamas releases hostages held in the region.
In light of these developments, South Africa appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for intervention, seeking directives to compel Israel to cease its attacks on Palestine and designate these acts as genocide. The ICJ issued a provisional order in January 2024, demanding Israel prevent genocide and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
South Africa’s condemnation of Israeli air strikes underscores its concern regarding international law violations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ongoing military actions and subsequent blockade have exacerbated the dire situation for civilians. South Africa’s continued advocacy for international intervention highlights its commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs and violations occurring in the region.
Original Source: english.news.cn
