South Africa says it strongly condemns the refusal of Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and its closure of border crossings at a time when the people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies.
This is according to a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Wednesday.
According to reports, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday as it demands Hamas agree to a United States plan for a ceasefire extension.
The department said 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 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.
“South Africa concurs with Qatar, one of the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, that halting the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
South Africa has since called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the safe, continuous, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has implored Israel to end its suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza “immediately” and to allow aid to flow without impediment in an environment ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including humanitarian workers.
Guterres has also “urged all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to hostilities in Gaza”, and to find a way forward on the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
“South Africa also condemns Israel’s ongoing military operations in the West Bank that represent a dangerous escalation, and which further threatens the Palestinian quest for self-determination and statehood.”
According to the department, the forced displacement of 40 000 Palestinians from Jenin, Tulkarem, Nour Shams, and elsewhere threatens to erase Palestinian refugee camps, and the right of return.
“The concurrent ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) activities in these areas constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and strips displaced Palestinians of essential support and international oversight,” the department added.
The department stated that the expanded Israeli military presence, now at its highest levels in the West Bank since 2002, signals an intent to re-establish full-scale military occupation, and undermines the Palestinian Authority and its governance.
“South Africa supports the guarantors’ continued efforts to address the reported violations of the ceasefire agreement.”
The department said the delay in releasing the 620 Palestinian prisoners constitutes a fundamental breach of negotiated terms.
“South Africa once again calls on the international community to act with urgency and decisive action to address the continued systematic violation of international law and international humanitarian and human rights law.”
The department said South Africa welcomes the outcomes of the Arab League Emergency Summit held on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, that supports a settlement in Gaza that is led by, and inclusive of, Palestinians, and that expressly rejects the ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.
The country has also thrown its weight behind the Arab League’s call for a UN international peacekeeping force in the West Bank and Gaza to ensure security and stability.
“South Africa also expresses its grave concern over Israel’s continuing violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by towns South of Damascus and the southern province of Daraa.
“Israel’s depiction of Southern Syria as a ‘security zone’, and statements that any attempt by Syrian government forces to establish themselves in the zone violate Syria’s sovereignty.” – SAnews.gov.za
