The attack on the hospital forced the evacuation of dozens of wounded people and left Gaza critically short of emergency care.
South Africa has condemned Israel’s 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
The International Relations Department (Dirco) said the attack on the hospital forced the evacuation of dozens of wounded people and left Gaza critically short of emergency care.
South Africa joins the global condemnation of the bombing, which is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
“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 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, pleading with the court to find Israel guilty of suspected genocide and order it to, 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 on all forms of Israel’s attacks on Palestinian life, essential services and the need for humanitarian aid.
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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