By Umamah Bakharia

On this weeks ASRI report with senior researcher at ASRI, Imraan Buccus: Nakbah Seven and A Half Decades On 

The Nakbah refers to the disposition and the oppressions of Palestinians against their will. This can often be compared to South Africa during the apartheid era.

“Just as we had past laws restricting the movement of black South Africans, we know that the movement of Palestinians also continues to be restricted by check points, roadblocks [or/and] concrete wall. That apartheid wall really cuts fathers from their lands, children from their schools, mothers from their babies,” says Buccus.

The African National Congress (ANC) has been a stern supporter for liberation in Palestine since the apartheid era. In 1982, the ANC visited Palestine following the Sabra and Chatila massacre.

“That relationship kind of conquered ties [and] the relationship that they share,” says Buccus.

During his life, Nelson Mandela raised his voice against the plight of the people in Palestine.

“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians,” as Mandela reiterated.

This week, an Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh was shot by the Israeli army as she was reporting on a refugee camp in Jenin on the West Bank.

“The killing of Shireen Abu Akleh has galvanized Palestinians of all fractions and people around the world and people are really feeling pain and anger,” says Buccus. He adds that this shows that Israel once again will do whatever it takes to control the narrative of its occupation.

“This catastrophe is remembered around the world and its really very sad that Shireen takes place in the context of yet another sad day of remembering the occupation,” says Buccus.

Over the past two decades, Israeli forces have killed at least 50 journalist trying to show the plight of Palestinians on the ground. Buccus says nothing much has changed in the past few decades as the world continues to watch Palestinians being subjected to brutality.

“Each time we have an attack or a ceasefire we know those attacks will begin again and we almost guaranteed that each year in Ramadan that happens,” says Buccus.

This Sunday will mark 74 years of Israeli occupation of Palestine. In support of this, a nakbah will be held in Pretoria and Cape Town on 14 May, to raise awareness of the plight of Palestinians.