Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
28 July 2025 | 13:38 CAT

📸 Dr. Imtiaaz Sooliman urges urgent action as Gaza faces man-made famine and calls on SA to return to the ICJ to force open sealed borders and allow life-saving aid to enter. Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers

As Gaza teeters on the edge of a man-made famine, founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr. Imtiaaz Sooliman, is calling on the South African government to return to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a bid to compel Israel to open its borders to urgent humanitarian aid.

In an impassioned interview, Dr. Sooliman warned that time is running out. “Only legal force can pry open Gaza’s sealed borders and it must happen now,” he said. South Africa had previously approached the ICJ to seek provisional measures against Israel. Dr. Sooliman believes returning with a renewed plea could “force Israel to allow at least some aid in,” potentially averting large-scale starvation.

The crisis on the ground is dire. “There’s no fuel, there’s no road, the bombing, the killing, the shooting it’s difficult,” he shared, adding that the current blockade has left aid organisations crippled. “From March, no trucks have gone into Gaza itself, nowhere near what’s required.”

Despite the paralysis, Gift of the Givers continues its work by sourcing from within Gaza. “People are still growing animals and crops inside Gaza. We buy from them directly, support local farmers, and distribute whatever we can,” he said. Water distribution also continues, supported by solar-powered desalination plants.

However, challenges abound. “We can’t get to the north or Rafah. In Gaza City, we operate from tents, we buy salvaged food and medication from bombed-out homes and pharmacies, and we deliver them family to family,” he added.

Recent Israeli claims that 150 aid trucks were allowed through have been strongly disputed. “That amount of trucks never goes in,” said Dr. Sooliman. “Even the airdrops are an embarrassment. Food falls on people. Only the strong survive. It’s meant to humiliate a nation.”

His solution is clear. “It’s simple: open the borders. You can send 600 to 800 trucks a day with no issue. That’s not happening because of racism and geopolitical bias.”

Calling the situation inside Gaza a “total disaster,” he pleaded, “We must use every possible measure. The world is slowly turning against Israel. Now is the time to act.”

“Allah grant ease, relief from occupation, oppression and genocide,” he concluded.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Mulsim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Dr Imitiaaz Sooliman.