Cape Town — Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Naledi Pandor says Cabinet would need to discuss whether government closes the Israeli embassy until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.
While Parliament can’t instruct the executive on its foreign policy, Pandor revealed that President Cyril Ramaphosa would need to table the discussion as to whether Cabinet can discuss the Parliamentary discussion motion initiated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), EWN reported.
Parliament has also called for South Africa to close it’s embassy in Israel, which the government has already said that it won’t do. She confirmed in the National Assembly receipt of Parliament’s resolution as communicated by the Speaker.
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“That letter has been written and we have been informed and I’m sure at an appropriate time, Cabinet will deliberate on the matter.”
Pandor also said she was waiting for advice from the Justice Minister as to what to do regarding the South Africans who have enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces to fight in its war against the Palestinian territories.
The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act makes it illegal for a South African citizen to join the defence force of another country or to act as a mercenary.
Meanwhile, Pandor said colleagues have described the happenings in Gaza as an “unprecedented tragedy”.
“We have made modest contributions for humanitarian aid following calls by the secretary general of the United Nations. We are pleased that the people of South Africa, including many NGOs with mobilised resources, to assist the people of Gaza,” she said.
“We are concerned that the delivery of humanitarian supply is hampered by lack of access at the borders. We call on all of us, as the international community, to ensure that Israel allows full access for all humanitarian supplies, destined for the people of Gaza,” she added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Naledi Pandor said colleagues have described the scale of the humanitarian tragedy that is engulfing Gaza as an “unprecedented tragedy.” #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #NalediPandor @DIRCO_ZA @antonioguterres pic.twitter.com/z8vm3vcICH
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
