In its strategy aimed at lasting peace and stability, Africa reiterates its call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian war. Faced with growing humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, the countries of the continent are increasing their strategies to help the victims. While access to basic necessities remains hampered by Israeli blockades, voices are being raised to demand unconditional humanitarian access to Gaza.
The humanitarian situation remains worrying in the Gaza Strip. Data from early March 2024 show more than 30,000 victims and nearly 2 million displaced persons. More than 2 million people face extreme food shortages in the Palestinian region. Access to basic necessities is hampered by Israeli blockades. Faced with growing humanitarian needs and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, African countries are increasing their strategies to help victims. On March 12, 2024, Morocco deployed aid consisting of more than 40 tons of food and basic necessities, by land, intended for the Palestinian population of Gaza and the holy city of Al-Quds.
« Since the outbreak of armed hostilities more than 5 months ago, Morocco is the first country to use this unprecedented overland route to deliver humanitarian aid directly to the beneficiaries. 2,000 food baskets will be distributed to 2,000 Maqdessian families, and 1,000 meals will be served daily to Palestinians in the city. This large-scale humanitarian operation for the benefit of the Palestinians confirms the efficient commitment and ongoing concern of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, for the Palestinian cause ».
Statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
Egypt, a critical mediator in successive crises between Israel and the Palestinian state, is committed to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. On March 14, 2024, in the face of restrictions imposed by Israel, which prevented the delivery of a large amount of aid, the Egyptian government appealed for an urgent increase in humanitarian aid delivered by land in the Palestinian region. The North African country also serves as a crossing point for humanitarian aid destined for Gaza.
“What should be allowed is the entrance of humanitarian assistance to provide for the Gaza people to remain in their territory. The transfer and displacement are in contravention with international humanitarian law.”
Sameh Choukri, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Egypt
South Africa maintains its firm position against Israel, which it considers guilty of genocide and violation of human rights in the conflict. Warning about the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, the country calls for an immediate end to the violence and expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people. Also a major force in mediating an end to the conflict, South Africa wants new emergency measures from the International Court of Justice against Israel. The southern African country calls for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
“If those countries which are extremely powerful militarily could come together and say we see the harm, we see the suffering, we see the denial of food, water and energy, we know that there are over 600 trucks ready to deliver aid to people in need to avoid starvation, if they say we are ready to have our troops safely escort all those trucks so that aid is truly provided, I think this will be such a signal of a humanitarian response.”
Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation – South Africa
The African Union, a strong advocate of a two-state solution, reiterates its call for a permanent ceasefire and free access to emergency humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, which is needed by 2.2 million civilians, more than 50% of whom are children.
