South Africa has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid from entering the besieged Gaza Strip, denouncing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. In a statement released on Wednesday, Pretoria warned that Israel’s actions were exacerbating the already dire conditions faced by Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, who are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical supplies.

According to the statement, preventing food from reaching Gaza is part of Israel’s ongoing use of starvation as a weapon of war in its genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people. “The suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza constitutes a gross violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention,” the statement added. South Africa called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and to ensure the safe, continuous, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of Gaza.

Pretoria also denounced Israel’s ongoing military offensives in the occupied West Bank, warning that the escalating aggression would further threaten Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and statehood.

The Israeli regime, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s orders, has imposed a total suspension of aid entry into Gaza, shutting down all crossings into the Palestinian enclave. This move, tightening the already crippling blockade, has led to a drastic deterioration in Gaza’s humanitarian situation.

The closure of key border crossings, including Kerem Abu Salem and Rafah—the main routes for essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel—has plunged the besieged territory into a worsening crisis. Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that Israel’s actions will push Gaza’s population to the brink of famine and deprive them of basic necessities.

Netanyahu’s decision has sparked widespread international condemnation. The United Nations, the Red Cross, and other human rights groups have voiced serious concerns, calling the measure a form of collective punishment against Gaza’s civilians and a flagrant breach of international law. Despite mounting global pressure, Israel continues to enforce its blockade and severe restrictions, showing no regard for international outcry.