SA condemns attack that wounded Jordanian medics in Gaza

Source: World Food Programme.

According to a statement released by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the attack left several hospital staff members wounded as they attempted to treat Palestinian citizens injured by Israel’s bombardment.

“South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of medical facilities, schools and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read.

Among the casualties of the Israeli siege of Gaza was the head of the Gift of the Givers Foundation office in Gaza, Ahmed Abbasi, who was returning from morning prayer on Thursday with his brother, who was killed.

“South Africa is outraged at the killing of civilians and aid workers. South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.”

Dirco, Israel has cited the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), in particular, the Fourth Geneva Convention, which states that health establishments, including hospitals, should not be attacked.

Gift of the Givers leader killed in Gaza

16 Nov 2023

The department said South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution that has called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors to provide food, medical supplies and fuel.

“South Africa reiterated its calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.”
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