Palestine Solidarity Alliance urged South Africa to lead International response to Gaza crisis
Image: IOL
The Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA) issued a powerful statement urging South Africa to take a firm stand against the ongoing violence in Gaza, highlighting the reality faced by Palestinians and calling for immediate action from the South African government.
In the wake of devastating developments, including a surge in casualties and the assassination of journalists, the PSA said that over 100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza within the last 24 hours by the Israeli forces.
This brings the total number of deaths since the escalation of violence began in October 2023 to more than 50,000, including approximately 13,000 children.
The organisation condemned the assassination of Al Jazeera journalist Hosam Shabat, marking the tragic death of more than 208 media workers in the conflict.
Additionally, the PSA highlighted the killing of Academy Award-winning film director Hamdan Ballal, who was allegedly kidnapped by Israeli forces from an ambulance.
The PSA expressed pride in the South African government's recent landmark case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has drawn international attention to Israel's actions.
South Africa sought to have the Israeli government be held accountable for the genocide in Gaza.
Despite facing intense backlash from the US and Israel, including threats and economic pressure, the PSA emphasised that South Africa has remained steadfast, invoking the nation's anti-apartheid legacy as a source of strength.
"We believe that our government, alongside The Hague Group of nations, will continue its quest to hold Israel accountable for its acts of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid," the statement read.
The PSA called for the South African government to demand the immediate enforcement of ICJ rulings by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and to convene an emergency session of the African Union to push for a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza via the Rafah crossing.
The PSA has also called for complete economic disengagement from Israel, advocating for zero trade with what they describe as a genocidal regime.
This would entail suspending all bilateral agreements and exposing local companies that support Israeli actions.
The alliance urged the South African government to stand firm against US and Israeli threats and to pursue International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against those involved in the ongoing violence.
"We call for legislation against genocide and for the enforcement of laws that hold accountable those complicit in these actions," the PSA stated, emphasising the need for a unified stance against the perceived racism and superiority exhibited by some individuals involved.
The PSA's statement concluded with a rallying cry for all South Africans to intensify their boycott of products that promote "Zionism", urging unity and truth in the face of the ongoing crisis.
"Now is the time for Unity and Truth," they declared, calling on media agencies, reporters, and journalists to unite in telling the story of the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank without fear or favour.
Amid these escalating tensions, President Donald Trump proposed a new approach to peace in Palestine, suggesting that Palestinians be relocated to neighbouring Arab countries and the country be turned into a tourist attraction.
This controversial suggestion has been met with strong criticism from Arab nations, who argue that it lacks genuine commitment to Palestinian rights and self-determination.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the PSA emphasised that those who have experienced apartheid must not turn their backs on the Palestinians, asserting that the struggle against apartheid was won in South Africa and a similar victory is sought for the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the United Nations announced it would be reducing the size of its international team on the ground in Gaza after renewed attacks by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including UN personnel.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated in a news briefing that approximately 30 of the UN’s 100 international staff members would leave Gaza this week, citing security and operational reasons amid soaring humanitarian needs.
The UN also confirmed that an Israeli tank was responsible for the attack on a UN compound in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on March 19, which killed a Bulgarian UN staff member and left six other foreign staff members with severe injuries.
As the crisis unfolds, the PSA and other organisations continue to call for immediate action and solidarity with the Palestinian people, stressing the urgent need for international intervention and support.
IOL Politics
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