By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of International Relations & Cooperation (Dirco) director-general Zane Dangor says efforts to evacuate more South Africans from Gaza are ongoing.
There were emotional scenes at OR Tambo International Airport when families in South Africa were re-united with their loved ones who were evacuated from Gaza.
It’s been nearly two months of heavy bombing and airstrikes carried out by the Israeli military on the enclave in retaliation to the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas.
While there’s been some humanitarian relief, the release of prisoners, and a short-lived truce, those living in Gaza say the situation remains dire.
“I know that one or two of you have loved ones that couldn’t come through, our team will continue to work to ensure that they do come through. We do have their names and we will do follow-ups [to do what we can] within our abilities to ensure that they come through safe as well, “Dangor said in his address to the evacuees.
At the same time, Heirda Eid has called on the international community to act against the violation of human rights as the war in Gaza rages on.
“I am coming with a message from Palestinian civil society, we want the international community to impose sanctions against apartheid Israel – to treat Israel the same way it treated apartheid South Affrica.
“We need a military embargo right now, in order to put an end to the ongoing genocide.”
More than 15,000 Palestinians and over a thousand Israelis have lost their lives since the Israeli-Hamas conflict escalated in October.
Hundreds of thousands more Gazans have been displaced – with many homes flattened. Israel has been accused of wanting to force Palestinians out of Gaza following decades of territorial occupation.
“I’ve lost my house. I’ve been displaced with my family three times, this is the fourth time. South Africa is my second homeland. We come to South Africa with heavy hearts because we are leaving 2.3 million people exposed to the wrath and anger of apartheid Israel,” said Eid.
The missions in Egypt and Gaza, led by Ambassadors Shaun Byneveldt and Ntsiki Mashimbye worked with authorities for the group’s safe exit.