South Africa condemns Israel's bombing of Gaza hospital, calling it 'war crime'

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – South Africa on Wednesday condemned the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza which killed more than 500 people and injured over 1,000, calling it a “war crime.”

“Just as the attack by Hamas on civilians in Israel was abhorrent, there are no words to fully express South Africa’s condemnation of Israel’s bombing of the Ahli Arab Baptist hospital,” the Foreign Ministry, known as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said in a statement.

The ministry said targeting civilians in armed conflicts is in violation of international humanitarian laws and the Geneva Conventions.

Pretoria has been vocal against Tel Aviv’s atrocities in occupied Palestinian territories. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor held discussions with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on how to get humanitarian aid to Palestinians, according to a statement.

The statement said during the call, Pandor reiterated South Africa's solidarity and support for the people of Palestine.

She also expressed sadness over the loss of innocent lives on both sides – Palestinians and Israelis.

The airstrike on the hospital came on day 11 of the current conflict, with a growing international chorus of non-governmental groups and world leaders saying the Israeli bombing campaign on the besieged Gaza Strip – including healthcare facilities, homes and houses of worship – violates international law and may constitute a war crime.

More than 500 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the hospital on Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials in the besieged enclave. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.