In a statement from the Department of International Relations, the SA Government called the civilian casualties, alongside military personnel as deeply troubling.

SA also raised concerns around the implications of targeting nuclear facilities in Iran particularly raising questions around safety and security arising from attacks on such areas.

The statement also questioned the rationale around Israel’s claim of acting pre-emptively in self-defence, arguing that in terms of the United National Charter, it required clear evidence of an imminent armed attack which did not appear substantiated in this instance.

Pretoria further urged maximum restraint by all parties and called for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East.

--SABC--