South Africa condemned Israeli air strikes on Gaza, calling them a violation of international law. The DIRCO highlighted concerns regarding humanitarian crises due to blockades and the impact of military actions. Provisional ICJ orders require Israel to prevent genocide and facilitate aid. Additionally, the strikes reportedly resulted in numerous deaths, breaking a cease-fire. South Africa continues to seek justice through international legal channels.
On March 19, 2024, South Africa issued a condemnation of Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, labeling the actions as “a blatant violation of international law.” The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) stated that these air strikes, which targeted densely populated neighborhoods, makeshift schools, and residential areas, came after Israel’s failure to fulfill the second stage of a peace agreement amid ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire.
The DIRCO expressed grave concerns regarding the military actions, highlighting the severe food and water shortages faced by millions in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade and restriction of aid. Additionally, the statement noted that Israel has recently ordered forced displacements in several areas of Gaza, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The statement referenced provisional orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that require Israel to prevent acts of genocide, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, and maintain evidence related to alleged genocide. This condemnation also extended to Israeli air strikes in southern Syria, which resulted in casualties.
Reportedly, the Israeli air strikes conducted early on March 19 resulted in the deaths of at least 413 individuals and threatened to escalate operations unless Hamas releases hostages. These actions marked the end of a cease-fire that had been in place for nearly two months.
Earlier, in December 2023, South Africa sought an interdict from the ICJ to compel Israel to cease hostilities against Palestine and recognize these acts as genocide. By January 2024, the ICJ had instructed Israel to take measures to prevent genocide and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In summary, South Africa has strongly condemned the recent Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, describing them as violations of international law and humanitarian standards. The ongoing military actions have contributed to significant humanitarian concerns in the region, as millions face dire shortages of essential resources due to the blockade. The International Court of Justice’s involvement highlights the serious nature of allegations surrounding these military actions, leading to international calls for accountability and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: english.news.cn
