South African Government Condemns Ongoing House Demolitions and Military Incursions in the Rafah Refugee Camp in Gaza

The South African Government is gravely concerned at the ongoing house demolitions and military incursions by the Israeli Defence Forces in the Rafah refugee camp in Gaza.

The consistent use of excessive military force, over the past week, has resulted in the loss of over 38 Palestinian lives in Gaza, many of whom are innocent civilians and children and approximately 20 Israeli soldiers. The United Nations has announced that in the first half of May 2004, 2197 Palestinians have been left homeless and 191 buildings throughout the Gaza Strip destroyed. The use of excessive military force in densely populated areas and the practice of house demolitions as a form of collective punishment is a clear violation of International Law.

The South African government joins the international community in calling on the Israeli Government to immediately cease all military strikes and house demolitions that are contributing to an increasingly unstable environment. What has been witnessed in the past week is clearly counterproductive to peace. Such acts as taken by the IDF display an utter disregard for Palestinian lives and livelihood.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad said, "The actions are not in the interest of the majority of Palestinian and Israeli people. The people of Palestine and Israel need peace, stability, security and prosperity. The massive peace demonstration in Israel on 15 May 2004 is a welcome manifestation of a growing movement in support of a negotiated settlement."

The South African Government calls on the United Nations and the Quartet to take the necessary action to ensure that the most basic of human rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to housing, are protected.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 May 2004