Pretoria — South Africa has voiced its condemnation of the Israeli bombardment near the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza.
The global community has since expressed grave concern over the incident that transpired on Wednesday. The attack left several hospital staff members wounded as they endeavored to provide medical assistance to Palestinian citizens injured in Israel’s bombardment.
Expressing serious reservations, South Africa highlighted its distress at the consistent targeting of medical facilities, schools, and holy sites that serve as sanctuaries for the civilian population enduring the brunt of inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.
Gift of the Givers Gaza office head killed
Among the civilian victims is Ahmed Abbasi, the head of the Gift of the Givers Foundation office in Gaza.
Gift of the Givers is South Africa’s most popular NGO and has earned a reputation for providing civilian aid locally and internationally.
Abbasi and his brother fell victim to the Israel Defence Force (IDF) while returning from morning prayer on Thursday, prompting outrage from South Africa.
WATCH: Gift of the Givers founder sheds light
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“The nation firmly maintains that there is no legal, ethical, or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and the destruction of civilian sites,” said the Department of International Relations.
“South Africa emphasises that, as the occupying power, Israel must safeguard civilians in Gaza, particularly those seeking refuge from intense bombardment and gun battles.”
Citing international humanitarian law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention, South Africa underscores that health establishments and units, including hospitals, should be safeguarded from attack. This protection extends to the wounded, sick, medical staff, and emergency vehicles.
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Calling for accountability, South Africa asserts that all responsible for the bombardment of non-combatants, medical facilities, and other civilian sites must be held liable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In the face of civilian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank, South Africa insists that the crime of genocide must be thoroughly investigated.
In alignment with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution, South Africa urges an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to deliver food, medical supplies, and fuel.
Additionally, the nation reiterates its call for the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to shield the civilian population from further bombardment.
South Africa, advocating for enhanced peace efforts, calls for reviving a political process leading to establishing a viable Palestinian state.
This state is envisioned to coexist peacefully with Israel within internationally recognized borders based on those existing on June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. These aspirations align with relevant UN resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters.
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