South Africa says ‘unbelievable tragedy’ awaits Gaza if talks fail on cease-fire
As Israel continues to pound Gaza since October 7, South Africa’s foreign minister has warned that Palestinians may face unbelievable tragedy if negotiations for a ceasefire is not actualised as soon as possible. With the fasting month of Ramadan getting closer, the official lamented the inability to rescue the people of Gaza from their difficult situations…
South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, has warned that there will be an “unbelievable tragedy and catastrophe” if negotiations on the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza fail.
Naledi Pandor told public broadcaster SABC that they have asked their ambassador at the United Nations to intensify efforts to talk to other ambassadors and encourage the passing of an urgent resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza.
The top official highlighted the need to focus on the immediate suspension of hostilities, adding that the world will witness a terrible catastrophe even worse than what it has seen unfolding in the war-torn enclave if a ceasefire deal is not secured.
With the fasting month of Ramadan getting closer, she expressed sadness seeing more Palestinians getting harmed, lamenting the inability to rescue the people of Gaza from their deadly condition.
South Africa has been critical of Israel’s attack on Gaza, and late last year, it accused Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Netherlands.
The court issued an interim injunction in January ordering Tel Aviv to cease all genocidal acts and take steps to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to residents in Gaza.
Despite the ruling, more civilians, including women and children, have been killed, with the death toll standing above 30,000.
Aid convoys have also been denied access, forcing the US authorities to airdrop 30,000 meals to the territory to ease the sufferings of the people.