Israel-Palestine war: SA political parties provide mixed bag of views

South African (SA) political parties have expressed different views on the country’s genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

ALSO READ: South Africa takes Israel to ICJ in landmark genocide case

ANC: On the right side of history?

The African National Congress (ANC) has publicly affirmed its support and commitment to the people of Palestine, even marching to the Israeli embassy in Pretoria in solidarity.

“The ANC remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for enduring peace between Israel and Palestine.”

ALSO READ: Israel: ‘South Africa acting as legal arm of Hamas’

DA: ANC only looking to ‘score political points’ with Israel case

DA’s shadow minister for international relations and cooperation, Emma Powell, says the ANC is only taking part in this international court case just to score political points. She said the ANC was hypocritical in its foreign policy relations considering the Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“The truth is, the ANC is only interested in inflaming divisions to score political points. And make no mistake, over the graves of Gaza, the ANC have spotted an opportunity and their misinformation machine is now moving ahead full throttle.”

ALSO READ: ICJ amends schedule for South Africa’s genocide case v Israel

EFF: Called for boycotts and marched to Israel embassy

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it supports the government’s request to the ICJ to stop Israel from committing further harm against the rights of Palestinians.

“We have marched on the Israeli embassy, called for boycotts of Israeli connected companies, presented a successful motion in parliament to close the Israeli embassy in South Africa, and demonstrated our support. for the Palestinian freedom fighters, Hamas.”

COPE: Genocide case against Israel could divide the country

The Congress of the People (COPE) political party says it’s concerned that South Africa’s genocide case against Israel could divide the country.

“We should be very careful it doesn’t divide South Africans to the extent that South Africans find themselves at loggerheads on something we could have played as mediators or peacemakers,” according to COPE national spokesperson Teboho Lotau.

ALSO READ: South Africans rally in support of ‘genocide’ case against Israel

UDM: Wants peace and mediation for Israel and Palestine people

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has called for mediation between Israel and Palestine to find a peaceful middle ground for the benefit of their respective populations.

“The UDM calls on both nations to raise these concerns in public, promoting a forum of tolerance that takes into account the needs of all parties involved and recognises and defends religious (and other) minority groups.”

IFP: Two-state solution is the viable option for peace

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it believes that a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is attainable through a two-state solution. 

“As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to inflict suffering on innocent civilians and disrupt regional harmony, the IFP strongly urges all parties involved to lay down their arms and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a lasting solution to this protracted crisis.”

FF+: Challenged the ANC to distance itself

The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) said it strongly condemned the Hamas attack on Israel and the senseless slaughter of civilians and would like to see the ANC government with its open anti-Israel sentiments condemn it like the rest of the world.

“The FF+ challenges the ANC to do the right thing this time and distance itself unconditionally from Hamas’ actions.”

ALSO READ: US condemns South Africa’s ‘meritless’ genocide case against Israel

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