In the past two weeks, we have witnessed a tragic loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza, which raises concerns not only about Israel's disregard for Palestinian lives but also its complete disregard of international law. 

Israel's actions, such as providing notice to hospitals to evacuate and subsequently targeting these medical facilities, are in direct contravention of international humanitarian law. Hospitals and medical personnel are supposed to enjoy protection under these laws but are instead targeted in an act of international war crime. 

The intentional evacuation notice for a hospital suggests an intent to commit a war crime. Moreover, a tweet from Hananya Naftali, a prominent figure in the Israeli Government, as well as sound analysis from the attack, insinuates that Israel indeed carried out the hospital attack, further implicating their involvement in these actions.

The Fourth Geneva Convention, established in 1949, directly addresses the importance of medical support. Article 14 states that hospital and safety zones must in fact be established for groups such as the injured, sick and pregnant women and Article 18 states civilian hospitals and their staff must be protected. Basel Sourani, an international advocacy officer for the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), has advised Israeli strikes have already hit tens of Palestinian hospitals, ambulances and health workers, this being in clear violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Furthermore, Regulations Article 27 of The Hague Convention (IV) respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land and its annex: Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land provides that in sieges and bombardments all necessary steps must be taken to spare, as far as possible, buildings dedicated to religion, art, science, or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals, and places where the sick and wounded are collected, provided they are not being used at the time for military purposes. Although Israel has not ratified the Hague regulations, they are binding on even non-ratifying states as a part of international customary law. Once again, we see Israel in breach of this convention. 

Israel has also reportedly bombed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza multiple times, disrupting a crucial corridor for aid. These actions, too, are concerning and clear violations of international humanitarian law.

Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention defines collective punishment as a war crime, stipulating that “No persons may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited. Reprisals against persons and their property are prohibited.”

The current bombardment of the besieged Gaza strip, in what Israel says is a retaliation to Hamas, is not only disproportionate but is also collective punishment on the approximately 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza. This is in clear violation of international law. 

These few events of Israeli violations of international law are only examples  from the last few weeks, and are not even close to an exhaustive list of the atrocities they have committed against Palestinians since October 7th 2023, and without even considering all other violations of international law against the Palestinians, such as the illegal settlements built by Israel in the West Bank.

While we appreciate the voice of support for the Palestinian people from the ruling party (the ANC) and one of the opposition parties (the EFF), we implore the South African government to act swiftly in response to these events. As a post apartheid nation, we need to set an example to the rest of the world, especially the global north which continues to dehumanise Palestinians by pushing clearly genocidal language and rhetoric. The South African government must expel the Israeli ambassador from South Africa, and must lobby for a full International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into reports of grave human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza.

We call upon fellow South Africans who value human rights to join in our efforts, mobilize for awareness, and consider divesting from companies that support the Israeli government. We further call on all South Africans to join us standing in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Continue sharing the video and photographic atrocities on social media, raising awareness of these war crimes. Stand in solidarity at protest actions across South Africa calling for an end to the genocide. 

Yours in solidarity!

Issued by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance Youth League (PSA YL)
Johannesburg, South Africa
For enquiries info@psayl.co.za