By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on Monday that the 19 South Africans who have been stuck in Gaza have been evacuated into Egypt.
“The evacuated South Africans, comprising six males and 13 females, have now arrived safely in Cairo and are en route to South Africa,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in Pretoria said in a statement.
“South Africa extends its gratitude, to the government of Egypt for granting the evacuated foreign nationals safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country”.
Dirco highlighted that the Israeli government has indicated that it intended to extend attacks on the people of Gaza.
“The statements from Israeli leaders appear impervious to the global calls for an immediate end to the killing of Palestinian civilians,” the department added.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution.”
A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was in effect from November 24 to 30 for the release of hostages, humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza and the evacuation of foreigners.
The South African government has since withdrawn all its diplomats from Tel Aviv amid the ongoing war.
Subsequently, Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen also decided to recall ambassador Eliav Belotserkovsky from South Africa for consultation.