In a statement released by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), South Africa has strongly criticized Israel for its violation of the Geneva Conventions and the abandonment of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.
Naledi pandor
The World Health Organisation has reported that Israel’s total blockage of the Gaza Strip remains in effect. This includes the stoppage of electricity and water supply, as well as the restriction on the movement of essential supplies and patients. Dirco has emphasized that such actions by Israeli authorities have further worsened the already dire situation in Gaza.
Dirco highlights Article 14 of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits the starvation of civilians as a method of combat and prohibits the destruction of objects essential for the survival of the civilian population. Additionally, the Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly protects civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories, safeguarding them from harm and discrimination.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has previously labeled Israel’s continuous violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I as war crimes.
Dirco states that the ongoing Israeli bombardments in Gaza flagrantly violate International Humanitarian Law, which requires the protection of civilian populations and the responsibility to safeguard them during armed conflict.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 423,000 individuals have been internally displaced due to the continuous bombardment of Gaza. This represents a significant increase in the past 24 hours, with two-thirds seeking shelter in UNRWA schools.
Dirco warns that Israel’s recent announcement giving a 24-hour ultimatum for 1.1 million Gazans to evacuate to the south of Gaza will lead to further catastrophe, as there are insufficient resources to accommodate such a large number of internally displaced persons.
The department points out that UN schools turned into shelters are already overwhelmed, with shortages of essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian provisions, mandated under International Law.
Dirco urges the Israeli government to provide essential services to the people of Gaza and stresses the importance of allowing life-saving supplies, including fuel, food, and water, into the region, as emphasized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In addition to Israeli violations, Dirco condemns the capture and forcible detention of 100-150 Israelis, including soldiers, civilians, and foreign nationals, also considered a breach of International Humanitarian Law.
South Africa calls on Israel to heed the calls of the UN Secretary-General, humanitarian organizations, and several governments worldwide to immediately provide vital resources to the people of Gaza. Furthermore, they demand the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
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