By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Two South African citizens have been confirmed dead, one is still missing in the Israel and Palestine conflict, Israel’s Embassy in South Africa released a list.
The embassy released a list of killed and missing international citizens earlier on Thursday.
Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, killing hundreds and taking dozens of people hostage.
Israel retaliated, besieging Gaza, in a bombardment it says is targeting Hamas militants.
Around 150 Israelis, foreigners and dual nationals were abducted to the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants as part of the Saturday attack that killed more than 1,200 people in Israeli towns and communities around the enclave.
Israel has, in turn, launched a withering air campaign against Hamas militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing around 1,200 people.
In recent days Israel announced a “complete siege” on Gaza, cutting off water, fuel and electricity supplies. The Palestinian territory’s sole power plant shut down on Wednesday after running out of fuel.
Here is an updated list of murded and missing foreign nationals at the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization. The list includes 3 South Africans with 2 murded and 1 missing. No one is spared when it comes to terrorism. Let’s fight it together. ???? #IStandWithIsrael pic.twitter.com/tXsLtLwKbY
— Embassy of Israel SA (@IsraelinSA) October 12, 2023
President Cyril Ramapahosa said on Thursday that he is ready to help mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing on South Africa’s experience at conflict resolution.
Ramaphosa also called for the immediate and unconditional opening of “humanitarian corridors” in the Middle East so that aid can get to people who urgently need it.
“We remain gravely concerned at the devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed against civilian populations. We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the exercise of restraint,” Ramaphosa said.
Unwavering support for Palestinian nationhood has remained a steadfast element of South African foreign policy since the ANC came into power in 1994. This stance has seen the country become one of the most prominent voices critical of Israel globally.
The ANC has thrown its support behind the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions, a movement aiming to replicate the iconic anti-apartheid boycott campaign. South African officials have consistently accused Israel of practising apartheid. The parliament recently voted to formally downgrade the country’s relations with Israel from embassy to a liaison office.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is yet to issue an official statement and this story will updated once information is available.
Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela on Friday morning confirmed that two people had perished in the turmoil that has engulfed Gaza.
“There is a verification process currently underway because one of the individuals is reported to have an Israeli ID number so we need to determine whether there is dual citizenship or what the picture is. On behalf of the South African government we would like to pass a message of sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the two nationals,” he said.
Monyela added that South African missions in Ramallah and Tel Aviv-Yafo are “coordinating efforts and also rendering consular assistance and services to the families” of the deceased.