The Nelson Mandela Foundation received the news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas with a sense of both relief and concern. We want to believe that this could be the beginning of a lasting and just peace. However, the underlying systemic causes of conflict in Palestine remain very much in place.
We are grateful at the prospect of an end to the current war on Gaza and the creation of conditions required to begin meeting the enormous short-term needs of the local population.
We give credit to those who have worked tirelessly to stop the horror, and we urge a speedy ramping up of the delivery of much-needed supplies to Gaza.
“We reiterate our support for the case that South Africa has brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice,” said Foundation Chief Executive Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
“There must be an acknowledgement of – and accountability for – what Palestinians have endured since late 2023.”
He went on to add that the international community should not lose sight of the plight of Palestinians outside of Gaza, including those living in the West Bank.
The Foundation calls on both Israel and Hamas to meet their ceasefire commitments, and we call on the international community to play their role in combating apartheid in all its forms and manifestations.