South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, recently spoke at the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Committee on Palestine in Baku, Azerbaijan. In his address, Botes expressed his concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine.
Israel’s Aggression and Occupation
Botes highlighted Israel’s ongoing aggression and occupation, which have resulted in the destruction of Palestinian properties, illegal settlements, forced evictions, and collective punitive measures. He stated that these actions would not bring about peace and criticized Israel’s impunity, which has emboldened the Israeli government to act in contravention of international law.
Violations of International Humanitarian Law
Botes denounced the tragic events in Jenin, where civilians were killed, injured, and infrastructure damaged, as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. He also criticized the selective application of the international rules-based system, which has exacerbated the situation and allowed Israel to continue its actions.
South Africa’s Solidarity with Palestine
Botes explained that South Africa’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause is rooted in the country’s history and experience in fighting colonialism and apartheid. He emphasized that the struggles of the Palestinian and South African people have historically been connected. South Africa is committed to playing a constructive role in ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to peace, sovereignty, freedom, and justice.
A Two-State Solution
Botes expressed South Africa’s support for a two-state solution and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side with Israel within internationally recognized borders. He called for the implementation of borders that existed on June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, based on relevant UN resolutions and international law.
The Pursuit of a Just Solution
Botes stressed that South Africa’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is not based on sentimentality but on the pursuit of a just and lasting solution. He believes that the situation of the Palestinian people remains a blight on the global collective conscience and called on the NAM to expedite the resolution of the ongoing occupation.
Preventing Generations of Hatred and Conflict
Botes urged the NAM to do everything in its power, according to international law and principled humanitarian action, to prevent future generations of children and youth from growing up with hatred that fuels distrust and perpetual conflict. He called for cooperation in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table to resolve the conflict based on international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements.
South Africa’s Determination for Peace
In conclusion, Botes affirmed South Africa’s determination to contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflict in the Middle East. He reiterated the country’s commitment to assisting the parties in their genuine pursuit of peace and co-existence and thanked the attendees for the opportunity to renew the Movement’s collective endeavor for peace and prosperity.
