Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
27 October 2023 | 09:26 CAT
2-min read

During the ASRI (Auwal Socio-economic Research Institute) Report with Ebrahim Fakir on Radio Islam International, South Africa’s foreign policy position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was discussed, shedding light on the country’s stance amidst the ongoing war. Fakir emphasised the complexities of the issue, including the political fractures within the country and the challenges of navigating international relations.

At the forefront of the discussion was South Africa’s official position, which asserts support for a two-state solution and advocates for a negotiated settlement. Fakir highlighted the formal nature of South Africa’s bilateral relations with Israel, underlining the existence of trade, cultural exchanges, and consular services between the two nations. “And I think, just as an aside, we know that no such thing exists,” Fakir asserted.

The interview also covered the accusations levelled against South Africa, with critics claiming the country has taken sides in the conflict. Fakir challenged this notion, suggesting that the accusation of bias was aimed at silencing the country’s voice on the matter. Fakir noted, “So this idea that you take a side is a classic bogey, it’s to put you on the backfoot, to create a kind of almost psychological warfare…let you then explain yourself out of knots without ever recognising the facts.”

“Whether they [South Africa] have chosen a side or [not] these are the facts: if the country [South Africa] had chosen a side, there would be no [Israeil] ambassador in the country. There would be no full suite of relations, yet there are. There would be no trade, yet there is. There would be no commerce and exchange, yet there are.”

Fakir also noted that young South Africans are not outlawed from going to serve in the Israeli army.

Fakir concluded that there are sides to be taken in any fight. But people are being pushed to choose what is widely considered the right side- not the moral or correct side.

Furthermore, Fikir highlighted the need for a principled approach to the conflict, urging a commitment to ethical and just practices, and emphasising the importance of upholding international law and fundamental values. He called for a critical assessment of the global response to the conflict, highlighting the inconsistencies and double standards prevalent in international discourse.

“Extending from the hypocrisy and the duplicity [of taking a side] and the hollow appeal to principles and values, is that there are no principles, there are no rules, there is no “international law”, so to speak,” Fakir noted.

The interview also addressed the differing stances of various political formations within South Africa, with some expressing solidarity with Israel and others supporting the Palestinian cause. Fakir underscored the crucial role of civil society activism and material aid, stressing the necessity of ensuring aid reaches those in need and is not siphoned off by corrupt intermediaries.

Fakir recommended applying pressure through industrial sanctions, trade sanctions, and cultural boycotts, drawing parallels to the strategies employed during the apartheid era. He urged the South African government to outlaw South Africans from participating in the Israeli army and emphasised the need to maintain a critical perspective on the conflations of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.

In conclusion, Fikir emphasised the importance of promoting honest dialogue.

Listen to the ASRI Report with Ebrahim Fakir on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Ibrahim Daya.