Africa
Protesters in South Africa urge government to cut ties with Israel over Gaza war
More than 3,000 people marched through Cape Town on Saturday, calling on South Africa’s government to sever diplomatic and trade relations with Israel over its war in Gaza, in one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in months.
The rally, organised by civil society and faith-based groups, brought together political parties as well as Muslim and Christian organisations. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and placards with slogans such as “Don’t just feel bad, do something,” before handing over a petition to parliament.
The petition demanded the closure of Israel’s embassy in Pretoria, an end to South Africa’s coal exports to Israel, and the prosecution of South Africans who enlist in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
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“The government has to take action on the kicking out of Israel’s ambassador and embassy from South Africa now,” said Usuf Chikte, coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He also urged that Israel be excluded from international sporting bodies such as FIFA.
Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In December 2023, it filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide, which Israel has denied.
The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s military response has since killed at least 65,926 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures the United Nations considers credible.
Saturday’s march reflected growing grassroots pressure on South Africa’s government to escalate its stance. “Boycott, divest and sanction Israel, the same way as the world did for us,” Chikte told the crowd, referring to the anti-apartheid movement.
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AFP
