Palestinian support group to hold protest in Durban
A Palestinian support group is planning a picket at the Toll Gate Bridge in Durban's Berea on Wednesday afternoon.
Aisha Sayan from the People Against Oppression says it's to raise awareness about what's happening in Gaza.
Violent clashes continue between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the enclave following the weekend attack on Israel by Hamas.
Israel has ordered a complete siege on Gaza, cutting off water supply, electricity, as well as food, fuel and other essential supplies.
Sayan - who's from Gaza but lives in Durban - says she has lost some family members in the violence. Her surviving family has no access to basic needs.
"My family doesn't have anything. There is no water, no food, essential supplies as well as medical supplies, which is not as urgent as food. Now, they don't have internet coverage, and because of that, I lost contact with my family since yesterday. It is getting worse, and we lost two of our cousins."
At least 900 Israelis and more than 680 Palestinians are said to have died as a result of the violence.
Hamas is also holding dozens of Israelis captive after launching its assault on Saturday.
Israel soon began strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in retaliation.
On Tuesday, Israel said 1,500 Hamas militants had been killed during the bombardment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed their response "will change the Middle East."
UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to the bloodshed and has urged for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip to assist Palestinian civilians.
Guterres says while he recognises the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people, acts of terror and the killing of civilians can't be justified.
He also says Israel's needs for security are, but that their military operation must be guided by international humanitarian law.
