In an international context marked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, South Africa positions itself resolutely in favor of the Palestinians and calls for an end to hostilities. The country, which experienced apartheid until 1994, expresses deep solidarity with the Palestinians, whom it considers victims of an apartheid regime similar to the one it experienced.
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, has publicly aligned itself with the Palestinians, condemning the continued illegal occupation, colonization and oppression suffered by the Palestinian people. The South African government, through its Ministry of International Relations, also pointed the finger at Israel as responsible for the resumption of hostilities, failing to mention Hamas and its violent actions.
This position is not new for South Africa. In 2021, during previous clashes, the ANC organized protests in front of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, even calling on the Israeli ambassador to leave the country. Since 2018, South Africa has no longer had an ambassador stationed in Tel Aviv, signifying its disagreement with Israeli policy.
However, this position of support for the Palestinians is far from unanimous in South Africa. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, takes a more nuanced approach, condemning both Hamas attacks and acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. In short, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict divides South African society, as it does in many countries around the world.
Despite differences of opinion, South Africa remains firm in its solidarity with the Palestinians, perceived as victims of unjust oppression. This position also reflects the country’s tumultuous past and its struggle against apartheid, where international solidarity played a crucial role.
In conclusion, South Africa actively defends the Palestinian cause, condemning Israeli policies and calling for an end to hostilities. This position reflects the country’s values, forged by its own fight against apartheid. However, it is important to emphasize that opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict vary within South African society, leaving room for a complex and polarized debate.