Israel’s Blockade of Humanitarian
By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Cabinet has strongly condemned Israel’s continued refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the closure of border crossings, actions that exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized that these measures contribute to the “immeasurable suffering” of Gaza’s residents, who are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Ntshavheni stated that Israel’s actions amount to the use of “starvation as a weapon of war,” aligning with concerns raised by international bodies regarding potential genocidal acts against Palestinians. She reiterated South Africa’s call for the international community to hold Israel accountable and to ensure the safe, continuous, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.
International Legal Actions and Accusations
In December 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ issued a provisional ruling in January 2024, ordering Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and to take measures to prevent genocide. Despite this ruling, reports indicate that Israel has continued to impose restrictions on aid, leading to widespread international condemnation.
United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza, including the systematic destruction of healthcare facilities and the use of sexual violence as a war strategy. These actions have reportedly led to increased maternal mortality rates due to restricted access to medical supplies. Israel has refuted these allegations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeling the reports as biased and antisemitic. 
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, with aid agencies warning of severe shortages of essential supplies. The World Food Programme reported having no significant stockpile of food in Gaza, with existing supplies expected to last only about two weeks without replenishment. The blockade has led to skyrocketing prices for necessities, further exacerbating the plight of the already vulnerable population, especially as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.  
Health infrastructure in Gaza has been decimated, with medical facilities struggling to operate amid shortages of supplies and electricity. The blockade has also led to severe water shortages, contributing to the spread of diseases and increasing the risk of famine. Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide by systematically restricting and targeting the water supply in Gaza, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and disease.  
International Response
The international community has expressed growing concern over the situation in Gaza. Australia, alongside other Western allies, has condemned Israel’s legislative decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israeli-controlled territories. This move threatens to further deteriorate the already dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where millions rely on UNRWA for basic needs and services. 
The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, stated that Israel’s restrictions on aid could amount to the use of starvation as a weapon of war, a violation of international humanitarian law. Similarly, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concerns that the extent of Israel’s restrictions on aid could constitute a war crime. 
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