Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was an act of resistance not war, says Julius Malema. [Picture: FREDDY MAVUNDA/ BUSINESS DAY]
As Palestinians observed one year of genocide this week, Julius Malema challenged the narrative that Hamas’s attack on Israel, one year ago, was an act of war. He said it was an act of resistance.
The commander-in-chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) added his voice to the chorus of support for the Palestinian cause. He was briefing the media on recent local and international developments, amidst waning support for his party.
He also lamented the “complicity of the international community” in keeping Israel’s “war machine” running.
“The complicity of the international community, particularly Western powers like the US and the UK has been disgraceful despite the International Court of Justice issuing an advisory opinion to not be complacent in genocidal acts. Billions in military aid have been channelled to Israel, perpetuating its war machine in what amounts to a proxy war,” he said.
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Resistance not war
Placing the 7 October 2023 attacks in context, he said Operation Al Aqsa flood was a legitimate act of resistance. Backers of the apartheid state frequently characterise the event as a terrorist attack, although the pro-Palestine movement disagrees.
“Under the illegal occupation by Israel, Hamas legitimately resisted Israel’s occupation of Palestine on that day. It was not an act of war. It is a battle for the freedom of the Palestinians,” Malema said.
Meanwhile, the Zionist lobby in SA questioned why the government has not used its cosy relationship with Hamas to facilitate the return of captives. The resistance group captured 251 people that day.
“Our country really could have made a difference,” Wendy Kahn, national director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) told SABC News. “They’ve got a relationship with Hamas.”
“We saw the ANC welcoming Hamas into this country, we saw the minister of international relations phoning and expressing support to Hamas. We know there’s a relation – why didn’t they reach out and get the hostages?” she asked.
The right to resist occupation is one that Palestinians are entitled to according to international law. There are mounting signs that Israel’s response includes acts that potentially amount to genocide, one year on.
