22/11/2023
ANC Western Cape Media Statement - For Immediate Release
22 November 2023
*ANC Western Cape welcomes National Assembly's vote of solidarity with the Palestinian people*
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape welcomes the resolution passed in the National Assembly yesterday that, among others, the Israeli embassy in South Africa must be closed and government must suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until there is a ceasefire in Palestine, Israel commits itself to binding United Nations facilitated negotiations whose outcome must be a just, sustainable, and lasting peace.
The death toll from the ongoing but deeply disproportionate attacks by Israel on Gaza has surpassed 13 000 people. This figure includes no less than nearly 6 000 children and nearly 4 000 women. The death toll also includes 201 medical personnel, 22 members of the rescue teams and 60 journalists.
Ahmed Abbasi, head of Gift of the Givers in Gaza, was sadly one of the deceased.
The death toll speaks nothing of the humanitarian crisis currently underway in Gaza. There is no supply of water, power and food is running out. Israel gave an instruction for the evacuation of the north of Gaza and have subsequently bombed most parts of that region, including hospitals such as al-Ahli-al-Arabi Baptist Hospital, al-Shifa and recently the Indonesian hospital. Israel not only directly attacks civilians but is now also targeting centres, such as hospitals, where civilians are gathered.
There is no doubt that the Israeli government is aiming and attempting to wipe out the Palestinian people through these acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing. These are war crimes and the ANC in the Western Cape welcomes President Ramaphosa and our government’s reporting these crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court together with other countries.
The National Assembly, including the overwhelming majority of ANC members, voted to condemn these senseless killings especially of women and children and to take a tough stand against Israel who is the perpetual aggressor in this conflict.
We continue to call on all our members and supporters to stand up for freedom, justice, and peace. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, we are not free until the Palestinians are free.
END
Issued by ANC Western Cape Provincial Secretary, Neville Delport
Inquiries:
Muhammad Khalid Sayed
ANC Provincial Spokesperson
076 151 5265
