By The long dreaded conflict escalation in the Middle East is finally becoming a reality with the latest retaliation attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the weekend. South Africa has since expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict.
There is a general concern that the conflict might escalate into a world war, as it now involves other international countries including the United State of America.
The Government of South Africa said it is gravely concerned at the developments in the Middle East following the retaliatory action by Iran against Israel following Israel’s attacks on Iran’s Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April 2024.
“As the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has stated, there is a very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. In this context, South Africa emphasises that all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region.
South Africa has continuously stressed that irrespective of whether states believe that their use of force is lawful, it is never wise to resort to war as inevitably; it is ordinary people who bear the brunt of conflict. The international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, must act in the pursuit of sustainable and just peace for all people,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) led by Minister Dr Naledi Pandor.
“While we turn our attention to these developments, let us not forget that the war in Gaza continues with devastating humanitarian consequences for its people. An immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access are required.
The proliferation of global conflicts will continue if we, as the international community, do not commit ourselves to the ending of war and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law are maintained. As long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue,” said DIRCO.
