Cape Town – South Africa has voiced serious concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s retaliatory actions against Israel, sparked by an attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus.
Following Israel’s assault on Iran’s Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, 2024, Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel.
Reports indicate that Iran deployed approximately 300 “killer drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles” in its inaugural direct strike on Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a significant risk of widespread regional escalation in response to these events.
South Africa urges restraint from all parties and emphasizes the need for sustainable peace.
“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 Department of International and Relations Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Sunday.
The Department of International Relations calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and highlights the necessity of ending impunity for unlawful acts to achieve lasting peace.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
