The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has provided clarification regarding a phone call between Minister Naledi Pandor and Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh, which critics viewed as a vote of support from South Africa to Palestine.
DIRCO clarifies ‘support’ phone call to Hamas
Recent communication between Naledi Pandor and Hamas Leader, Ismail Haniyeh, courted backlash, forcing the international relations department to provide clarification.
In a statement, DIRCO emphasised that the objective of the call was to discuss the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the beleaguered regions of Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
During the call, Minister Pandor echoed South Africa’s enduring support and solidarity with the people of Palestine, expressing sorrow for the loss of innocent lives on both Palestinian and Israeli sides.
“Minister Pandor’s call with the Hamas leader is in line with South Africa’s readiness to engage all interlocutors as part of facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing conflict,” DIRCO explained.
DIRCO rubbished claims South Africa offered support for ‘Battle of Aqsa Flood’
Contrary to some reports, Minister Pandor did not offer support for the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood, a series of coordinated attacks conducted by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas from the Gaza Strip onto bordering areas in Israel, which commenced on Saturday, 7 October 2023.
DIRCO emphasised that such claims are false and aimed at maligning Pandor and the South African government.
“Minister Pandor’s call with the Hamas leader is in line with South Africa’s readiness to engage all interlocutors as part of facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing conflict,” the statement read.
This call for peaceful resolution and dialogue comes in the wake of DIRCO’s appeal for an immediate cessation of violence and the restoration of peace between Israel and Palestine.
The South African government expressed its deep concern over the recent surge in violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in continued illegal occupation, settlement expansion, and the desecration of holy sites.
South Africa reiterated its call for an earnest peace process based on UN resolutions, advocating for a two-state solution and a just, comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine.
“South Africa stands ready to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution as it has done on the continent and around the world,” DIRCO wroted at the time.