South Africa Denounces Israeli Blockade of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
March 5, 2025 Hour: 6:37 pm
The South African government has vehemently denounced Israel’s decision to block the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip following the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa labeled this measure as a violation of international humanitarian law and a continuation of the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The statement underscores that blocking humanitarian aid constitutes a clear breach of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
“South Africa strongly condemns Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the closure of border crossings at a time when the people of Gaza are experiencing immense suffering and urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies,” the text reads.
Additionally, the South African government condemned Tel Aviv’s ongoing attacks in the West Bank, calling them a dangerous escalation that further threatens the Palestinian quest for self-determination and an independent state. The Israeli aggressions in cities like Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams aim to eliminate refugee camps and the Palestinians’ right of return.
The statement also highlights the simultaneous prohibition of the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in these areas, which constitutes a blatant violation of international law and deprives displaced Palestinians of essential support and international oversight.
South Africa expressed its support for the efforts of international guarantors to address the violations of the ceasefire agreement and called on all countries to urgently act to halt the systematic violations of international law and human rights.
Furthermore, the South African government welcomed the outcomes of the Arab League Emergency Summit held on March 4, which supports a Gaza agreement led by Palestinians and rejects ethnic cleansing and forced displacement.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: Al Mayadeen
