Israel Defies ICJ Rulings with Attack on Rafah, South Africa Condemns
South Africa and Algeria Call for Action on Gaza Crisis at UN Security Council
During a high-level session on “The Impact of Climate Change on Food Insecurity” at the UN Security Council (UNSC), South African Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza and Algerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Youcef Cherfa called for action to address the escalating crisis in Gaza.
Minister Didiza emphasized that hunger has become a significant threat in various parts of the world due to ongoing military attacks. She specifically highlighted the dire situation in Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen. Didiza pointed out the broader impact of recent attacks in Rafah, which has resulted in the displacement of Palestinian people and the destruction of their livelihoods. She condemned the disregard for the International Court of Justice’s decision on January 26 and stressed the need for compliance with international law to protect civilians and ensure access to humanitarian aid.
Minister Cherfa echoed the concerns raised by Minister Didiza, stating that the ongoing attacks in Gaza have exacerbated the food crisis in the region. He criticized Israel for its lack of respect for moral values and called on the UNSC to take action to prevent further loss of life and displacement of people in Gaza. Cherfa also condemned the smear campaign against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and called for an end to the aggression by the occupying power.
Both ministers underscored the urgent need for the UNSC to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and take concrete steps to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. They emphasized the importance of holding all parties accountable for their actions and called for an end to the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
The statements by the South African and Algerian ministers reflect growing international concern over the situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to address the escalating crisis at the UN Security Council. As the international community continues to grapple with the impact of conflict and climate change on food insecurity, urgent attention and concerted efforts are needed to provide relief and support to vulnerable populations in the region.
