South Africa has strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including its repeated bombings of hospitals, describing the actions as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The condemnation follows the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which was reportedly the last operational medical facility in Gaza City. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, forced the evacuation of numerous patients and has worsened Gaza’s already dire healthcare crisis.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) reaffirmed South Africa’s alignment with global condemnation of these actions. According to DIRCO, at least 35 hospitals in Gaza have been bombed and destroyed by Israeli forces since the conflict erupted in October 2023. These attacks on health facilities, medical personnel, and patients are considered war crimes under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
“South Africa joins the international community in condemning these actions, which are flagrant violations of international law,” the statement said. DIRCO further detailed the death of 15 humanitarian workers in Gaza, including eight members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, one United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff member, and six Palestinian Civil Defense personnel who were killed during a rescue mission on March 23.
“Deliberate attacks on medical teams and humanitarian workers are prohibited under international law and constitute war crimes,” DIRCO emphasized. “First responders and civilians are never legitimate military targets.”
The department also voiced concern over Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been in place since March 2. DIRCO stated that this action defies the provisional orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which had directed Israel to allow unfettered access for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
“Israel’s refusal to comply with these international legal orders only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis,” the statement read. “The global community must hold Israel accountable, as the continued lack of consequences has led to further violations and abuses.”
South Africa had approached the ICJ in December 2023, urging the court to compel Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza and classify these acts as genocide. The court issued a ruling in January 2024, instructing Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocide and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
As the conflict continues, South Africa has reiterated its commitment to upholding international law and human rights, urging the global community to take immediate action to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.