The human rights NGO Africa4Palestine joins millions of South Africans in welcoming today’s resolution to close the Israeli embassy in South Africa.
In an overwhelming majority, South African parliamentarians, earlier this afternoon, passed a motion to close the Israeli embassy in South Africa by a vote of 248 in favour (EFF, ANC, PAC, Al Jama-ah, NFP, ATM) and a pathetic 91 against (DA, IFP, FF+, ACDP)
The motion, which the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) initiated and was backed by the governing ANC party, accurately reflects the people of South Africa and our support for human rights, international law and justice for the Palestinians people. We commend the EFF, ANC and all other parties who today, in unison, voted in support of morality and our interconnected humanity.
In 2017 South Africa’s governing ANC party resolved to downgrade diplomatic relations with Israel. Subsequently, in 2018, the South African government withdrew its ambassador from Israel. Last night, ahead of today’s Parliamentary vote, the Israeli ambassador fled South Africa. As we speak, South Africa currently has no Ambassador in Israel, and Israel has no Ambassador in South Africa. South Africa joins a growing number of countries across the world who have taken and are continuing to take bold diplomatic steps to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and abuse of Palestinian human rights.
In addition, last week, South Africa joined several other countries in officially making a submission to the International Criminal Court for an investigation into Israel for war crimes. South Africa has also called for a warrant of arrest to be issued against Israel’s President Benjamin Netanyahu.
Indeed, the actions taken by the Government of South Africa and today’s vote by the Parliament of South Africa is a true representation of the people of South Africa who have in their millions elected political parties that stand in support of the human rights of the Palestinians.
We South Africans benefited during our struggle against Apartheid from support of the international community, including from the Palestinian people. Today, in that spirit of internationalism, we stand with the people of Palestine and all other oppressed nations.
PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY TISETSO MAGAMA ON BEHALF OF AFRICA4PALESTINE (21 NOVEMBER 2023)
Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape: +27 (0) 76 979 8801
Africa4Palestine Director, Muhammed Desai: +27 (0) 84 211 9988
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