JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Wednesday condemned the "illegal and unprovoked attack" carried out by the Israel Defense Force in Doha, Qatar.
The attack targeted a civilian building in a residential area, which purportedly housed members of the Political Bureau of Hamas, according to a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
DIRCO said the strike constituted a blatant violation of international law, undermining the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the protection of civilians outlined in the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law.
"This flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar comes against the background of the government of Qatar playing a prominent role as facilitator to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas," the statement said.
The statement reiterated South Africa's call for an immediate ceasefire in "Israel's genocidal war against the Palestinian people," urging an end to military actions so that negotiations toward a just peace could begin. ■
