President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to all those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has called for the ‘immediate and unconditional establishment of humanitarian passageways’ to aid the civilians entangled in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Also read: At least 250 people killed in ‘most coordinated Hamas attack’ on Gaza Strip
This follows an upsurge in hostilities over the past weekend, which has claimed the lives of close to two thousand people and injured seven thousand more. The attack also left one hundred and sixty thousand displaced.
‘Our thoughts are with all the victim’s families and loved ones during this perilous period of fighting. We remain gravely concerned at the devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed against civilian populations.
We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the exercise of restraint. It is vital that all those who require urgent humanitarian assistance are provided with the basic life-supporting necessities and that human suffering is ameliorated,’ said President Ramaphosa.
The president further urged the international community to act swiftly in its support process.
‘South Africa stands ready to work with the international community and to share our experience in mediation and conflict resolution as we have done on the continent and around the world,’ concluded the president.
In the early hours of Saturday, the militant faction of Hamas initiated an unexpected attack against Israel from Gaza.
The residents of Gaza have been instructed to evacuate, but with the sole operational exits now sealed off, they find themselves with no viable means of escape.
Israel has now also imposed an all-encompassing blockade, severing the supply of electricity, water, food and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
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Picture: Screenshot of video by @IDF / X