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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly refuted claims that the South African government had prior knowledge of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens and foreign nationals.
Addressing media alongside Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, Lamola also dismissed allegations that South Africa’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel was funded by Iran.
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“We Were Not Aware of the Hamas Attacks” – Lamola
Responding to a controversial letter sent to the incoming US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, Lamola rejected assertions that South African officials, including those in DIRCO, were forewarned about the Hamas-led assault.
“As a South African government, we were not aware. There was no DIRCO official who was aware of this planned attack on 7 October,” he stated emphatically.
The 7 October attacks by Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, European Union, Canada, and other countries, led to a prolonged conflict in Gaza, resulting in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and escalating geopolitical tensions.
US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Bill Under Fire
Lamola also addressed the proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, introduced by Congressman Ronny Jackson. The bill proposes a full review of diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries and includes mechanisms for sanctioning South African officials accused of supporting US adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and others.
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Jackson accused Pretoria of abandoning its relationship with Washington to align with hostile actors, calling it “a betrayal that demands serious consequences”.
Lamola responded by condemning the bill’s “falsehoods and propaganda”.
“South Africa has always maintained a non-alignment posture. We engage with all countries of the world — including China and Russia — in a manner consistent with our position as an emerging economy,” he said.
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ICJ Case Was Self-Funded, Not Paid for by Iran
Lamola firmly denied allegations that Iran financed South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel. He reiterated that the state had paid its own legal fees and that such details are available in annual government reports.
“It’s a lie. It’s untrue. It’s propaganda,” said Lamola. “We were not funded or forced by Iran. The decision was made independently, in line with our Constitution and the Genocide Convention.”
Amid heightened scrutiny of South Africa’s global alliances, Lamola emphasised that Pretoria remains committed to a neutral, principles-based foreign policy.
“It is in our interest to engage with all global actors — from the West to the East — on equal terms,” Lamola stated. “We will not be dictated to. South Africa will continue to stand firm.”
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