Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, recently expressed his support for Hamas, the Islamic militant group fighting against Israel. Malema believes that oppressed people have no other option but to fight back, and he pledges that if the EFF wins the upcoming elections, the party will arm Hamas and provide necessary equipment. While Malema clarifies that his issue is not with Jewish people, he criticizes certain businesses and urges South Africans to boycott Israeli products.
The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a contentious issue in the international arena for a long time. Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has recently expressed his support for Hamas, the Islamic militant group fighting against Israel. At a march in Pretoria, Malema spoke about his views on the conflict and his plans if the EFF wins the upcoming elections.
Malema’s Views on the Conflict
Malema believes that the conflict in Palestine is not a holy war but an evil one. He argues that oppressed people have no other option but to fight back. The EFF leader supports Hamas in their fight against Israel, stating that the people of Palestine have nothing to lose but their chains. He also compares the founders of Hamas to iconic anti-apartheid figures like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Winnie Mandela, and Steve Biko, stating that they did the same thing in their fight for freedom.
Malema’s Plans for Hamas and Israel
Malema pledged that if the EFF wins the upcoming elections, the party will arm Hamas and provide the necessary equipment to fight for their people’s freedom. Moreover, Malema promises to remove the Israeli embassy in South Africa under an EFF-led government. He emphasizes that sharing the same space with “people who kill innocent people” is not desirable.
Malema also targets certain businesses, criticizing McDonald’s for reportedly feeding Israeli soldiers and demanding that Woolworths, a popular retailer, remove all Israeli products from its shelves. He encourages South Africans to boycott Israeli products and urges universities and research institutions with ties to Israel to cut those connections immediately.
Malema’s Clarification
Despite his strong stance against Israel, Malema clarifies that his issue is not with Jewish people. He emphasizes that “we are not talking about Jewish people. We are not saying we don’t want Jews.”
Malema’s Defense of Busisiwe Mkhwebane
Outside the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Malema defends former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who recently joined the EFF. He states that she will continue to face hatred regardless of her actions.
Malema’s support for Hamas and the Palestinian cause reflects the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. By drawing parallels between historical figures like Mandela and Tambo with the current Palestinian resistance, he underscores the universal human desire for freedom and the right to fight against oppression. As the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, Malema’s voice adds to the multitude of international opinions, further highlighting the complexity and urgency of the issue.
1. What is Julius Malema’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Palestine?
Malema supports Hamas in their fight against Israel, stating that oppressed people have no other option but to fight back. He compares the founders of Hamas to iconic anti-apartheid figures like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Winnie Mandela, and Steve Biko, stating that they did the same thing in their fight for freedom.
2. What are Malema’s plans for Hamas and Israel if the EFF wins the upcoming elections?
Malema pledged that if the EFF wins the upcoming elections, the party will arm Hamas and provide the necessary equipment to fight for their people’s freedom. Moreover, Malema promises to remove the Israeli embassy in South Africa under an EFF-led government. He emphasizes that sharing the same space with “people who kill innocent people” is not desirable.
3. Does Malema have an issue with Jewish people?
Despite his strong stance against Israel, Malema clarifies that his issue is not with Jewish people. He emphasizes that “we are not talking about Jewish people. We are not saying we don’t want Jews.”
4. What are Malema’s criticisms of certain businesses, and what does he encourage South Africans to do?
Malema targets certain businesses, criticizing McDonald’s for reportedly feeding Israeli soldiers and demanding that Woolworths, a popular retailer, remove all Israeli products from its shelves. He encourages South Africans to boycott Israeli products and urges universities and research institutions with ties to Israel to cut those connections immediately.
5. Outside of the Israel-Palestine conflict, what does Malema defend?
Outside the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Malema defends former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who recently joined the EFF. He states that she will continue to face hatred regardless of her actions.
