Saudi Arabia and Egypt condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza

Cairo, 28 May, 2024 (TDF): During a joint press conference in Cairo, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, accused Israel of implementing a systematic policy aimed at starving the population of the Gaza Strip.

Since the beginning of conflict in early October, Israel has blocked all relief supplies to Gaza, creating artificial famine in Gaza. Nearly more than 2 million people have been forcefully displaced, who are in urgent need of food, relief, and medical supplies.

Dire food shortage

There is acute food shortage in Gaza, causing civilians and children to die due to starvation. There are reports emerging from Gaza that children have started to die due to starvation.

Even more heart wrenching are the reports confirming that animals are cannibalizing, and eating the flesh off the bodies of martyrs that have not been buried.

Violation of international law

Prince Faisal bin Farhan asserted that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate international law and humanitarian principles. He called for urgent international intervention to compel Israel to adhere to these standards.

#القاهرة | سمو وزير الخارجية الأمير #فيصل_بن_فرحان @FaisalbinFarhan : المجتمع الدولي أمام خيار، هل يريد أن يكون للقانون الدولي قيمة، هل يريد للسلام مكان ؛ إذاً لابد أن يكون هناك تحرك دولي واحد تجاه الأزمة في غزة pic.twitter.com/CcRYjPCBC1

— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) January 28, 2024

Also Read: What are legal consequences if Israel rejects ICJ ruling?

ICJ’s provisional ruling

Echoing these sentiments, Sameh Shoukry, his Egyptian counterpart, emphasized the importance of implementing a provisional ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

The ICJ’s interim order urged Israel to cease obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza and improve the dire humanitarian situation.

Israel refused to comply with ICJ’s rulings

The recent ICJ ruling found South Africa’s claim that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza to be plausible. Despite this, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Humanitarian crisis

According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 26,422 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed, with 65,087 others injured since October 7. Israel contends that nearly 1,200 people have been killed in Hamas attacks.

The Israeli offensive has left 85% of Gaza’s population internally displaced, facing severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Moreover, the UN reports that 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

Call for international action

The joint condemnation by Saudi Arabia and Egypt underscores the urgent need for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its actions