South Africa predicts ‘unbelievable tragedy’ in Gaza if talks fail on cease-fire

South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, has warned that there will be an “unbelievable tragedy and catastrophe” if negotiations on the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza fail.

Naledi Pandor told public broadcaster SABC that they have asked their ambassador at the United Nations to intensify efforts to talk to other ambassadors and encourage the passing of an urgent resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The top official highlighted the need to focus on the immediate suspension of hostilities, adding that the world will witness a terrible catastrophe even worse than what it has seen unfolding in the war-torn enclave if a ceasefire deal is not secured.

With the fasting month of Ramadan getting closer, she expressed sadness seeing more Palestinians getting harmed, lamenting the inability to rescue the people of Gaza from their deadly condition.

“I wish I could say to the people of Palestine and all Muslims ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (Blessed Ramadan), but for the people of Palestine, I’m just seeing a deadly situation if the world does not address this urgent matter of an immediate cease-fire,” said Pandor.

“At this moment…I remain terrified that we are going to see more harm to the people of Palestine…I’m totally feeling useless as a human being that we are unable to rescue people from their deadly situation,” she added.

South Africa has been critical of Israel’s attack on Gaza, and late last year, it accused Israel of genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Netherlands.

The court issued an interim injunction in January ordering Tel Aviv to cease all genocidal acts and take steps to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to residents in Gaza.

Despite the ruling, more civilians, including women and children, have been killed, with the death toll standing above 30,000.

Aid convoys have also been denied access, forcing the US authorities to airdrop 30,000 meals to the territory to ease the sufferings of the people.