By Johnathan Paoli
South Africa has strongly condemned Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the continuation of military operations in the West Bank, citing severe violations of international law.
International Relations and Cooperation Department
spokesperson Chrispin Phiri criticised Israel’s actions on Wednesday, describing them as a continuation of what the International Court of Justice has deemed a plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.
“South Africa 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,” Phiri said in a statement.
The blockade, which includes the closure of border crossings, has left thousands of Gazans without essential food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Phiri emphasised that this act amounted to the use of starvation as a weapon of war and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable.
South Africa has aligned itself with Qatar, a guarantor of the ceasefire agreement, in condemning Israel’s blockade as a clear violation of both the ceasefire terms and international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The South African government urged immediate and decisive action from the global community to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Beyond the blockade in Gaza, South Africa has condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in the West Bank.
The forced displacement of over 40,000 Palestinians from areas such as Jenin, Tulkarem and Nour Shams has raised alarms among human rights groups, with many warning of efforts to erase Palestinian refugee camps and violate their right of return.
The South African government criticised Israel’s ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency from operating in these areas, calling it a blatant violation of international law.
DIRCO warned that the expanded Israeli military presence in the West Bank, now at its highest level since 2002, suggested an intention to reassert full-scale military occupation, arguing that it undermined the Palestinian Authority and poses a significant obstacle to Palestinian statehood.
One key concern is the delay in releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners, which South Africa views as a fundamental breach of the negotiated terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to halt aid deliveries followed accusations that Hamas was diverting supplies for its own use.
Netanyahu also rejected a proposed extension of the ceasefire by the United States, claiming Hamas was unwilling to accept new terms.
Additionally, DIRCO has voiced concern over Israel’s ongoing violations of Syria’s sovereignty, particularly in areas south of Damascus and the Daraa province.
South Africa condemned Israel’s classification of southern Syria as a “security zone” and its warnings against Syrian government presence there.
DIRCO reiterated that South Africa remained steadfast in its call for accountability, urging the international community to act decisively against ongoing violations of international law.
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