SA condemns Israel’s bombing of hospitals in Gaza

South Africa has condemned the continuous bombing of civilian targets, including hospitals in Gaza, calling it a “flagrant violation” of international humanitarian law.

This comes after the missile strike by Israeli forces on the al-Ahli Arab hospital – reportedly the last functional hospital in Gaza on Sunday.

Hospital attack

SA’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said the attack on the hospital forced the evacuation of dozens of wounded people and left Gaza critically short of emergency care.

“Israel has bombed, burned and destroyed at least 35 hospitals in Gaza since the start of the war in October 2023. Attacks on health facilities, medical personnel and patients are considered a war crime under the IV Geneva Convention of 1949,” Dirco said.  

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Humanitarian workers killed

Dirco said the Israeli military forces also killed 15 humanitarian personnel in Gaza, eight Palestinian Red Crescent Society health workers, one staff member from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and six members of the Palestinian Civil Defence who were on a rescue mission on March 23

“Deliberate attacks on medics and humanitarian workers are prohibited by international law and constitute war crimes. First responders like civilians and other non-combatants are never legitimate targets.”

Aid

Dirco said it is also concerned that Israel has reportedly halted the entry of all aid into Gaza since March 2nd.

“This is in defiance of the binding provisional orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered Israel to ensure unhindered access of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“The international community must hold Israel accountable through effective counter-measures, as the impunity enjoyed by Israel has emboldened its genocidal actions in Palestine,” Dirco said.

ICJ case

In its initial application, South Africa submitted an 84-page application at the ICJ on 29 December 2023, arguing that Israel was guilty of genocide and should, among other things, halt its invasion in Gaza.

Since launching the case at the ICJ, South Africa has approached the court four times, requesting interim measures to halt Israel’s attacks on the occupied territory.

Despite three orders being granted in South Africa’s favour, they have had little to no impact.

Earlier this month,  Dirco said South Africa will not withdraw its ICJ case against Israel, even if US President Donald Trump waives all restrictions imposed on the country.

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