The South African government has doubled down on its refusal to play any role in what it describes as efforts to depopulate Gaza. Officials stressed that the country will not become a tool in the unfolding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed the issue during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, making the government’s stance clear and unwavering.
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This comes as thousands of Palestinians have reportedly fled Gaza in recent weeks, seeking safety as violence intensifies between Israel and Hamas.
Last month, 153 Palestinians arrived at OR Tambo International Airport without the required documentation and were granted 90-day visa exemptions. Government has since revoked these visas, citing concerns over the circumstances that brought the individuals to South Africa.
Government Moves to Prevent Possible System Abuse
Ntshavheni said the country would not be complicit in actions that could contribute to the depopulation of Palestinian territories. She highlighted suspicions that the arrivals may not have travelled voluntarily, raising further concerns about their ability to return home.
“Any attempt to depopulate Gaza and any portion of the Palestinian territories will not be supported by South Africa. There was an abuse of the system because the people who are coming here are not coming of their own will, and their ability to return to Gaza is very much in question.”
SA Maintains Firm Diplomatic Position Amid Conflict
The decision to cancel the visas aligns with South Africa’s broader foreign policy stance, which has consistently called for the protection of Palestinian rights and condemned actions perceived as contributing to humanitarian displacement.
As the conflict continues to intensify, government officials have reiterated that South Africa will not waver in its commitment to upholding international human rights obligations.
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