South Africa – In the midst of the bloody conflict in the Middle East, certain pro-Palestine organizations demanded the removal of Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky.
On October 7, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas launched an unexpected attack on Israel, seizing hostages and killing more than 1,000 civilians.
Israel’s response was to bombard the Gaza Strip with airstrikes.
Over 9,000 Palestinians lost their lives as a result, and Gaza experienced a humanitarian crisis.
Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) activists and other pro-Palestine organizations demonstrated on Saturday outside the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Business Forum in Johannesburg.
Salim Vally, an education professor at the University of Johannesburg, urged the US delegation present to arm Israel and stop supporting it militarily in its wars.
“We have to be critical, but, more importantly, during our struggle, we said that you need to put people before profits. The world can’t be silent.
“There are millions around the world who are seeing through the deceit, the lies, who are supporting the Palestinians in their time of need – like we asked for support in our struggle.”
South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said America’s economic influence should not trump human rights.
“Even though we appreciate and will always appreciate the relationship between you and the African continent, we are disgusted by your conduct that has lasted more than 75 years where you have used your position, politically and economically, to wipe from the face of the earth the population of the Palestinian people.”
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