South Africans evacuated from Gaza as conflict escalates
Nineteen South Africans, who were stranded in Gaza due to Israel-Palestine hostilities, are now returning to South Africa.
Nineteen South Africans who were stranded in war-torn Gaza are now on their way back to South Africa amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine.
The group, consisting of six males and 13 females, had been in Gaza since 7 October 2023, and has safely reached Cairo.
ALSO READ: Israeli-Gaza truce and hostage release delayed until Friday
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced on Monday that they are en route to South Africa.
WHEN WAS THE EVACUATION OF THESE SOUTH AFRICANS FROM GAZA APPROVED?
Israeli authorities approved the evacuation of these South Africans into Egypt on 11 November 2023. The DIRCO expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for granting safe passage through the Rafah Crossing.
19 #SouthAfricans🇿🇦 have safely crossed into Egypt (Cairo) from #Gaza. Our missions in Palestine & Egypt led by Ambassadors Shaun Byneveldt & Ntsiki Mashimbye worked with authorities to facilitate this. We are grateful for their partnership. Our nationals will now be coming home… pic.twitter.com/qWj00nAlL3
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) December 4, 2023
ALSO READ: DA: R11 million squandered on empty GBV buildings
Despite the evacuation, the department reported that the Israeli government plans to extend its offensive in Gaza. The statement highlights concerns about Israeli leaders’ seeming disregard for global appeals to halt the killing of Palestinian civilians.
WHAT DOES DEPARTMENT SAY?
“The statements from Israeli leaders appear impervious to the global calls for an immediate end to the killing of Palestinian civilians.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution,” the department added.
ALSO READ: BRICS nations demand immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza