Israeli Military Incursion into Gaza on 28 June 2006

The South African Government is deeply concerned at the recent military incursion of northern and southern Gaza, and the West Bank over the past two days, resulting in the destruction of critical infrastructure.

The South African Government condemns the Israeli Government's policy of collective punishment as a direct violation of International Law. Israel's bombing campaign on 28 June 2006, which has continued unabated, has resulted in the destruction of strategic bridges and access roads as well as Gaza's only power plant, causing a cut in Gaza's water supply as it operates on an electrical pumping system. "In his most recent report John Dugard, the UN special human rights rapporteur, has highlighted the dire state of Gaza's medical facilities. The loss of Gaza's only power plant has now resulted in a lack of electricity and water for these critical facilities, which can only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis faced by ordinary Palestinians in Gaza. Although Israel has legitimate security concerns, these should not be addressed at the expense of international law and human rights of the Palestinian people." Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad said.

Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad said, "the South African Government is again calling for caution with regard to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Furthermore, the unlawful arrests of Palestinian Cabinet Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister and members of the Palestinian Legislative Authority are illegal and unacceptable and we call for their immediate release. The South African Government calls on the Israeli Government to stop its military offensive and to take all necessary measures to ensure that this situation is not further exacerbated. The South African Government is of the view that peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement, based on a two-State solution that provides for a sovereign Palestinian State and guarantees the right of Israel to live within secure borders.

The military intervention and the arrests of senior Palestinian leaders come at a time when many world leaders were interacting with the Palestinian leaders to seek the release of Gilad Shalit.

It also comes hours after the historic Palestinian acceptance of a plan from leaders of all Palestinian factions incarcerated in Israel prisons. This was a major step forward and opened up real possibilities of ending violence and finding a two-state solution. Given this reality how can anyone justify the invasion, arrests and massive destruction of Palestinian infrastructure? Sadly we have entered a very dangerous period which will threaten the stability of the region and international peace and security."

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

30 June 2006