Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
07 October 2024 | 14:02 CAT
3-minute read

As Israel’s onslaught on Gaza bleeds into its 365^th day, the call for the United States to end its continued support of Israel has been intensified. Calls for the South African government to implement the United Nation’s International Convention on the suppression of apartheid have also been voiced, with thousands of South Africans having taken to the streets over the weekend.

Over the past 12 months, the world has watched in horror as Israel’s onslaught on Gaza has continued unabated, with 8% of the enclave’s population has been wiped out. Israel’s continuous bombardment has resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction, including the utter demolition of schools, homes, hospitals, universities and other integral infrastructure. The death toll as of 6 October 2024 stands at 41 870, of which almost 17 000 are children. On average, Israel is responsible for the deaths of 72 adults and 53 children per day in Gaza over the past year.

The genocidal intent of Israel’s aggression since 7 October 2023 has become increasingly evident.

“What we said a year ago was that the intention of Netanyahu and his fellow Zionists is actually to clear out Palestine of Palestinians. And we are seeing that playing out at the moment,” Neeshan Balton, executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said earlier today on Radio Islam International.

“As long as he [Netanyahu] has global support, particularly from the US and many in the west, and some in the Arab world as well, that kind of impunity will continue,” Balton added.

The current onslaught on Palestine is a continuation of a project that began in 1947.

“When you read the history of the manner in which the Palestinian people were driven out of their own country, then you see that what is happening in Gaza is just the same story, but it’s being carried out with less weapon, but more powerful weapons and with a more ruthless strategy,” Mervyn Bennum of South African Jews for a free Palestine (SAJFP) said.

The SAJPFP emphasises the importance of global peace in the face of Israel’s continued violence.

“Zionism is violence. Zionism is racism. And one of the important dimensions about the march of what must have been hundreds of thousands around the world over the weekend, is the fact that they were peaceful demonstrations,” Bennum said, and added, “Our most powerful weapon is peace, because Zionism is violent.”

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement highlights the importance of demonstrations to show support for Palestine, explaining that it achieves multiple objectives. In South Africa, participating in public demonstrations supports the government in its efforts to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.

“The South African government, our president and minister of international relations do not act as lone voices on those stages. They do it as a mandate from the people. Every South African listening today that has come out onto the streets this past weekend, but also for the past year, this is your effort, this is your success,” spokesperson for BDS Muhammed Desai said.

Additionally, South Africa’s efforts, when combined with demonstrations in other parts of the world, send a strong message of global solidarity to the besieged people of Palestine.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation notes the existence of certain parallels between South Africa’s own struggle against the Apartheid regime and Palestine’s struggle for freedom, while recognising the contrasts, including the different points in history, the difference in global economy, and the range of support for South Africa.

“The one big difference is that in the end, South African solidarity extended into the heart of America. It got the American government, the American president to change fundamentally,” Balton said.

There is an urgent need for the South African government to move beyond the commendable actions that it has already taken against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with activists urging the government to go further by cutting all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation emphasises the need to prioritise calls for a ceasefire at both national and international levels and to implement the program of action that was drawn up at the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference on Palestine.Top of Form

Balton highlights the importance of ending military aid to Israel, particularly from western powers, and argues that international pressure should focus on halting arms supplies, along with implementing cultural, trade, and sports boycotts. Balton also stressed the need for global coordination within the anti-apartheid movement for Palestine, expressing hope that increased global solidarity could lead to meaningful change.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Ibrahim Daya.