By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has called for an immediate end to the war between Israel and Palestinian militants which has claimed over 600 lives since the weekend began.
South Africa has called for the immediate cessation of violence, and for restraint and peace between Israel and Palestine.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it was gravely concerned about the escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites, and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people,” the department said in a statement.
South Africa, which supports a United Nation resolution for a two-state solution to the conflict in the region, called on the international community to work for peace.
“South Africa stands ready to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution as it has done on the continent and around the world.”
Palestinian militants turned the Israeli-Palestine conflict into a full-blown war with a massive attack on Israel on Saturday.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We are at war”, adding that Israel was expecting a long and drawn out war in the region.
Hamas said it had decided to put an end to crimes of occupation by Israel, confirming that it had launched various airstrikes against its neighbour.
So far over 300 people have been killed on both sides and thousands more injured.
US President Joe Biden said he had spoken to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned the attacks by Hamas.
“I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people.
“The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” said Biden. The UN Security Council was due to sit on Sunday.
