The South African government has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, calling it a deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The restrictions, imposed by Israel on Sunday, come after months of humanitarian relief efforts following a fragile ceasefire in January. The South African foreign ministry condemned the move, stating it was part of what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had deemed a "plausible genocide" against the Palestinian people.
“Preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war,” the ministry said in a statement, reiterating the urgent need for food, shelter, and medical aid in the war-ravaged region.
South Africa has called on the international community to hold Israel accountable, emphasizing the worsening humanitarian crisis. The criticism comes as negotiations stall, with Israel seeking to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, while Hamas insists on moving toward a permanent truce.
In December 2023, South Africa lodged a case at the ICJ, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention—allegations Israel has vehemently denied. The case has since gained support from several countries, including Spain, Mexico, Turkey, and Chile.
‘Dangerous Escalation’ in the West Bank
Beyond Gaza, South Africa also condemned Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin, where Israeli forces have intensified raids.
At least three people were killed on Tuesday, according to the Israeli military, though Palestinian officials reported two fatalities. South Africa labeled the offensive a “dangerous escalation” that threatens Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
“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,” the statement read.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and regularly carries out military operations there, targeting refugee camps seen as strongholds of Palestinian militancy. Since January, these operations have displaced tens of thousands of people and marked the first deployment of Israeli tanks in the territory in two decades.
Despite ICJ rulings being legally binding, the court lacks enforcement mechanisms, leaving the impact of the case uncertain.