SA pledges R50 million in humanitarian relief for war-torn Gaza
The money will be channeled through the United Nations Palestinian refugee relief agency, UNRWA.
A general view shows the destruction in the area surrounding Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital after the Israeli military withdrew from the complex housing the hospital on 1 April 2024. Picture: AFP
CAPE TOWN - South Africa has pledged R50 million in humanitarian relief to alleviate the situation in war-stricken Gaza.
The money will be channeled through the United Nations Palestinian refugee relief agency, UNRWA.
Speaking at a humanitarian aid conference in Jordan, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said that Israel could not continue to act above international law.
South Africa welcomed Monday's UN Security Council resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza.
But Lamola, who is representing President Cyril Ramaphosa at the aid talks hosted by the leaders of Jordan and Egypt, said that Israel’s non-compliance with UN resolutions and court orders was hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected Palestinians.
"All states are bound by international humanitarian law and we can't see why others see themselves as above international humanitarian law. Accountability must be called for."
Lamola said that South Africa supported intentions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold both Israeli and Hamas leaders responsible for the atrocities committed in the area.
Despite the recent controversies faced by the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, Lamola said South Africa supported UN interventions to restore society in Gaza.