Photo by [The New Arab]
Palestine – Few countries genuinely empathise with the Palestinian cause and grasp the intricacies of their struggle against the oppressive apartheid Israeli regime. Many news outlets, social media platforms, and online personalities portray this as a conflict as if it only began recently when, in fact, it has persisted for over seven decades.
During this prolonged period, the Israeli occupation has been responsible for unimaginable, brutal, and deadly acts against the Palestinian people. Even when these heinous human rights violations are captured on camera and well-documented, influential Western governments and international institutions claim ignorance.
Along with mainstream media, these governments and Israeli supporters often promote narratives suggesting the Palestinians’ response to their oppression is illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked, portraying them as the aggressors in the Israeli occupation.
This year alone, hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives, seen their lands invaded, and their homes demolished. Despite this, they are labelled as “terrorists” for their actions in the face of such oppression.
Kindred Spirits of South Africa and Palestine
As previously mentioned, only a few comprehend the liberation struggle the Palestinians are enduring. Among them are the South Africans.
The South African populace has firsthand knowledge of living under constant oppression, witnessing the unjust killing of innocent individuals, enduring forced relocations and land seizures, and experiencing the segregation and isolation of entire communities. Because of this shared history, South Africans from all diversities, not solely the Muslim community, persistently extend their unwavering support to the Palestinians.
Our shared past, characterised by killing, oppression, and injustice, has forged a special connection between our nations and people. This connection has been cemented by a shared aspiration for liberation, freedom, and self-determination, transcending geographical boundaries, eras, and ethnic backgrounds.
In this historical context, the Palestinian Ambassador to South Africa, Hanan Jarrar, conveyed gratitude for the prayers, demonstrations, and support Palestinians have received from civil society, political parties, the South African government, and solidarity organisations within South Africa.
“We need International support so that we keep the spirit of the Palestinian people alive and we keep our narrative alive.”
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The Retaliation of the Israeli Regime
Following the initial attack launched by Hamas, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has claimed the lives of numerous Palestinians. In response, the Israeli government has blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza and disrupted the flow of essential supplies, raising concerns the situation for Palestinians may deteriorate further.
Providing an on-the-ground update, Jarrar expressed that the current state in Gaza is deeply distressing, with high casualties and widespread displacement and destruction.
“The situation is very tragic. It’s an ethnic cleansing. It’s a genocide against the Palestinian people. The Israelis are committing war crimes under the cover of the international community.”
