Pandor appeals to Parliamentarians to intensify calls for more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza
Making a Ministerial statement in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Pandor said she continues to be concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and South Africa must back the calls for help.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor during a media briefing on 12 December 2022. Picture: X/DIRCO_ZA
CAPE TOWN - International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says the world is witnessing a catastrophic situation unfolding in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians are facing starvation.
Making a ministerial statement in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Pandor appealed to Parliamentarians to intensify the call for more humanitarian aid to reach them.
She also once again appealed for an immediate ceasefire, and for Hamas to release all hostages.
Pandor said she continues to be concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and South Africa must back the calls for help.
“A catastrophic situation is before the eyes of the world and it’s imperative as South Africa, that we speak out against what is unfolding and the great harm that is underway in the occupied territories of Palestine.”
Pandor said it’s also vital for South Africa to encourage speedy negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
“Should these talks fail, should we not arrive at a ceasefire, the world is confronted with by an unbelievable tragedy and catastrophe.”
Pandor said government is still studying Israel’s report to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on how it's complying with directives to minimise harm to Palestinians, as issued by the court in January.
For online, South Africa has the right to respond to the report’s contents.