The cabinet has welcomed the safe return of South Africans who were trapped in Palestine since Israel’s war on Gaza started early in October.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of a cabinet meeting held last week, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni commended Egypt for facilitating a safe passage through the Rafah Crossing for 19 South Africans trapped in war-torn country.
Ntshavheni called for an “immediate and permanent” end of hostilities, reiterating the government’s stance on the matter.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution to the challenges of the people of Palestine and Israel,” she said.
The conflict, which has now entered its 64th day, has been deemed the deadliest episode in a series of battles in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas’ attacks on Israel
The deadly attacks, which commenced on October 7 when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on Israel, have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives including thousands of children and women caught in the crossfire.
In November, the conflict claimed the life of Ahmed Abbasi, Gift of the Givers head of office in Gaza.
The humanitarian organisation confirmed that Abbasi and his brother were killed by members of the Israel Defence Forces while returning from morning prayer.
Responding to the escalation in hostilities at the time, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa had filed a referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.
Speaking during his state visit to the Middle East in Doha, the capital of Qatar, Ramaphosa accused the Israeli military of turning Gaza into a concentration camp.
Gift of the Givers said at the time that it backed Ramaphosa’s call to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to book.
