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Civilians killed in latest Israeli airstrikes
from XPRESS TIMES
by Ahmed Desai
An estimated 13 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. The attacks happened on the 9th of May 2023, just a week after the death of Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan Muhammad Musa, who died on the 2nd of May 2023 while incarcerated in Israel's Ramle prison. He had been on a hunger strike for three months.
The airstrikes have drawn heavy criticism from the international community, including the South African government. In a statement, the Department of International Relations and
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Cooperation (DIRCO) has described the attacks as a “reckless disregard” for Palestinian lives.
Western media reports suggested the attacks were targeting a top Jihad militant commander, however they resulted in heavy collateral damages, and fatalities.
“Accordingly, the South African Government supports the call made by the UN SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Guterres, for a transparent investigation into the death of Khader Adnan Muhammad Musa. Suggestions of medical neglect or the reckless disregard of Palestinian lives and rights could probably be best counter-acted through transparent investigation. There can be no real and lasting peace in the region in the absence of justice for Palestine and a just and equitable resolution to the Palestinian question for the benefit of both Palestinians and Israelis,” DIRCO stated.
South Africa added that relentless acts of repression and brutality directed at Palestinians hindered efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the Region, and the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
“Escalation not only threatens regional stability but risks further inflaming an already tense and hugely volatile situation on the ground. Accordingly, it must be regarded as unacceptable and South Africa therefore strongly implores de-escalation.
“The pattern of cyclical escalation must be broken. Our collective human duty to act cannot be avoided. As the international community we must proceed together with due regard to International Law, International Humanitarian Law, and International Resolutions,” DIRCO said.
