Today marks a year since Hamas soldiers launched a daring attack on Israel, in what has been described as the deadliest attack on Israel.
More than 1200 people were killed and 250 kidnapped during the attack.
In addition, more than 43 000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli’s revenge attacks, and nearly 100 000 displaced.
The majority of Palestinians killed are women and children in the besieged Gaza Strip, and others in the West Bank due to Israeli Defence Force military activities.
Several peace efforts have failed, and Israel’s continuous bombardment of Palestine, especially Gaza, has left the country in ruins.
Israel has recently launched an offensive in neighbouring Lebanon, in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attacks last week.
Meanwhile, for its part, South Africa has dragged Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to force the court to stop Israel from committing genocide in Palestine.
Despite the court ruling in favour of Pretoria, Israel has continued to attack Gaza Strip and West Bank, much to the anger of international communities.
“As South Africa, we remain committed to the peaceful resolution to ending the occupation of Palestine, to upholding the tenets of international law and to advancing social justice.
We once again call for an immediate ceasefire that will end the suffering of the people of Gaza and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
Beyond an immediate end to the onslaught against Gaza, there is an urgent need for action to stave off starvation and disease among the population.
Considerable resources need to be directed to Gaza to start rebuilding infrastructure, housing, social services, agricultural production and economic activity,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Moreover, Ramaphosa called for international law to be applied consistently, to ensure that all those who committed atrocities are held accountable, whether it is Israel or Hamas.
“Later this month, we will file a memorial, which is South Africa’s full substantive case based on evidence, at the International Court of Justice.
The memorial contains detailed evidence to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in Palestine.
We call on Israel to immediately implement the court’s provisional orders issued on 26 January, 28 March 2024 and 24 May 2024,” explained Ramaphosa.
In his recorded video address, Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has called for the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
His calls come despite Israel declaring him persona-non grata, accusing him of failing to condemn Iran’s missile attack in Gaza.
“It is time for the release of the hostages.
Time to silence the guns.
Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region.
Time for peace, international law and justice,” pleaded Guterres in a recorded video message.
