"The consistent use of excessive military force, over the past week, has resulted in the loss of over 38 Palestinian lives in Gaza, many of whom are innocent civilians and children, and approximately 20 Israeli soldiers," the department said in a statement.
The United Nations had announced that 2197 Palestinians had been left homeless and 191 buildings throughout the Gaza Strip had been destroyed that in the first half of May.
"The use of excessive military force in densely populated areas and the practice of house demolitions as a form of collective punishment is a clear violation of International Law.
"The South African government joins the international community in calling on the Israeli Government to immediately cease all military strikes and house demolitions that are contributing to an increasingly unstable environment."
The department said what has been witnessed in the past week was clearly counterproductive to peace. Such acts as taken by the IDF displayed an utter disregard for Palestinian lives and livelihood.
"The actions are not in the interest of the majority of Palestinian and Israeli people. The people of Palestine and Israel need peace, stability, security and prosperity. The massive peace demonstration in Israel on 15 May 2004 is a welcome manifestation of a growing movement in support of a negotiated settlement," said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad.
The South African government called on the UN and its members to take the necessary action to ensure that the most basic of human rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to housing, were protected. - Sapa
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