Zuko Komisa
The South African government has issued a strong condemnation of the recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 350 Palestinians on Tuesday.
The airstrikes, which occurred despite ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire, have raised serious questions about the commitment to peace in the region. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) revealed that reports indicate the attacks were authorized by Israeli leadership more than a week prior, casting doubt on the sincerity of commitments to a permanent ceasefire as outlined in the plan brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
DIRCO expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence, particularly following stalled progress on the second phase of a negotiated peace agreement.
The government urged the international community to exert pressure on all parties to uphold their commitments and work towards a lasting and just peace. The statement emphasised the need for accountability and adherence to international law to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
“South Africa is gravely concerned by the military onslaught and the fact that millions of people in Gaza are facing severe food and water shortages, as Israel continues to block aid and cut off energy supplies to the strip.
“The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israel targeted a military site previously used by former President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, but which is now used by the army of Syria’s transitional government.
“Israel’s airstrikes and previous statements that it does not want any Syrian military presence in the south of Syria is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” DIRCO said in a statement.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, Professor Jeff Harper who gave an analysis on the latest developments.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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