This came one day after Pretoria recalled its diplomatic mission to Israel.
The Israeli operation launched in response to the attack has so far killed over 10,000 people in Gaza, 40% of these victims being children.
“This cannot be tolerated; this brutality should not be accepted. We must call for a ceasefire now as honourable members of the house of South Africa,” South African minister Naledi Pandor said.
During her address to members of Parliament on Israel’s war with Hamas, the official also rebutted accusations of alleged bias in favour of Hamas: “It is untrue that South Africa has not criticized Hamas or its breach of international human rights law.,” Pandor said.
“[…] the president stated very clearly, in concert with the Secretary General of the United Nations, that the killing of civilians and the taking of hostage is a violation of international human rights law. We must be accurate in all our contributions.”
Calls for accountability
“As an occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers, to deal with criminal actions in the area it occupies. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies, and simultaneously attack that territory on the claim that it is foreign and poses an exogenous national security threat,” Pandor said.
The minister also called for the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable for violations of international criminal law as it pursues its ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza.