The Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers of South Africa (AMAL) expresses its deep concern and condemnation over the bombing of the Al-Ahly Hospital by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), an attack that resulted in the tragic loss of numerous innocent lives.
Initial Reports indicate anything from 500 to 1000 Palestinians needing medical care including Health care workers have been killed in this latest and senseless killing. AMAL, an organization dedicated to promoting justice, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, views this heinous act as a gross violation of international humanitarian law.
The reported bombing of the hospital has shocked the global community and further escalated the already dire situation in the region.
The targeting of medical facilities, which serve as safe havens for the injured and the vulnerable, is a blatant violation of international humanitarian principles, including the Geneva Conventions. These indiscriminate attacks expose the lives of innocent civilians and jeopardize the provision of essential medical services to those in need.
AMAL reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, respect for human rights, and the preservation of human dignity.
Our association strongly denounces this form of violence and extremism by the Israeli Defense force and calls upon our President of South Africa and Minister of International affairs to take this latest atrocity and disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians by the Israeli Defence Force to the highest level possible.
We assert that any military action leading to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure is counterproductive to the pursuit of peace. We urge Israel to stop this blatant genocidal killing of sick patients and to prioritize dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful means to find a lasting solution to the decades of oppression and violence. We remind the IDF that violence begets violence.
We call upon the international community, including the United Nations and relevant human rights organizations, to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and hold all those responsible for war crimes and violations of international law accountable for their actions. It is incumbent upon the global community to put an end to the cycle of violence and work towards a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.
AMAL expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the martyred victims affected by this tragic incident. Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered as a result of the continued bombing of Gaza and the disproportionate use of senseless violence and loss of life.
Imraan Subrathie
Executive Secretary
Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers of South Africa