South Africa and Somalia Strongly Denounce Israel’s Assault on Iran

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa and Somalia have vehemently denounced Israel’s recent assault on Iran, asserting that it endangers regional stability.

In a late Saturday statement, the South African Foreign Ministry remarked, “This strike is an intolerable breach of Iran’s sovereignty.”

The ministry added that alongside the atrocities in Gaza, Israel’s relentless attacks on Lebanon and its ongoing annexation of the West Bank have cultivated a dire humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East.

The call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza echoes louder, demanding humanitarian aid access and a halt to Israel’s perpetual occupation.

“We demand an end to this devastating conflict that has claimed numerous lives and urge prompt humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians,” declared Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.

South Africa further decried the relentless Israeli military operations in North Gaza Governorate and the targeting of Kamal Adwan Hospital, which remains the last operational medical institution there.

Lamola stressed, “Detaining 44 medical staff and systematically destroying medical facilities in the Gaza Strip constitutes a severe breach of international humanitarian law.”

South Africa urged the immediate enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which supports a three-step ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden for Gaza.

In a separate development, Somalia on Saturday condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iran with fervor.

Somalia implored the global community to take decisive measures to ensure the region and its people’s security, pointing out Israel’s disregard for Resolution 2735 while maintaining a harsh offensive on Gaza, especially after last October’s border breach by Hamas.

Local health authorities reveal nearly 43,000 fatalities, predominantly women and children, and over 100,000 injuries since then.

The Israeli military campaign has forcefully displaced nearly the whole population of the territory, amidst a blockade causing acute shortages of essentials like food, water, and medicine.

Additionally, Israel is confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its Gaza actions.

On Saturday, at least four Iranian soldiers perished when Israeli forces targeted Iranian military facilities, retaliating against a large-scale missile attack from Iran on Oct. 1.

The US has urged that Israel’s strikes should halt any further direct clashes, warning Tehran of “consequences” should it retaliate.

Iranian military leaders had cautioned previously that any Israeli attack would be met with a “more severe response.”

A chorus of nations has condemned Israel’s assault on Iran, stating it risks igniting a broader Middle Eastern conflict.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

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