South Africa in media statement released on Tuesday, has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. Image credit: BBC News
(The Post News)- In a strong media release on Tuesday, South Africa condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have already killed over 350 Palestinians. The airstrikes come after the failure to implement the second phase of a peace agreement despite international talks that are still dedicated to upholding the ceasefire.
The Israeli Defense Forces’ connection to air bombing raids has allegedly been endorsed by the Israeli officials at some point last week, raising doubt concerning the country’s motive on entering into an enduring peace agreement, even more so one hosted by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The majority of the casualties were children and are allegedly still trapped in the rubbles debris, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The attacks hit civilian areas of Gaza, including residential structures, makeshift schools, and shelters, which is a gross violation of international law, specifically international humanitarian law.
South Africa seriously considered the human rights abuse, pointing out the acute humanitarian emergency in Gaza where millions are deprived of water and food following Israel’s blockade against the movement of aid in and cutting off the power supply. Israel effected a total blockade and new policies of forced transfer elsewhere in the country as well.
The government of South Africa emphasized that the interim orders by the International Court of Justice compel Israel to take action to prevent genocide, help facilitate provision of humanitarian aid, and preserve evidence of supposed genocide in Gaza.
Moreover, South Africa condemned the Israeli airstrikes conducted by the Syrian military in southwestern Syria that killed two individuals and hurt 19 others. The airstrike of the former military base currently occupied by Syria’s transitional government was described by South Africa as an infringement on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
World response to increasing violence has been quick, with the United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Muhannad Hadi urging an urgent return to a ceasefire. The United Kingdom also asserted that it was dedicated to utilizing diplomatic avenues in a bid to revive the Gaza ceasefire.
In turn, Israel assured to persist in airstrikes against Hamas, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that the Israeli military will mount an offensive beyond bombs and missiles, attacking Hamas leaders and institutions in Gaza for as long as necessary.
The crisis remains volatile, and the coming days will prove decisive in how much escalation occurs or a turn towards diplomacy. As the Gaza humanitarian crisis plays itself out, the world continues to cry for restraint and affirmation of peace.
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