Hamas values South Africa’s decision to downgrade embassy in Israel

The Hamas Movement has expressed its appreciation to the African National Congress (ANC) for adopting a recommendation calling for downgrading the South African embassy in Israel to a liaison office in a bid to reduce diplomatic ties.

In a press release, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem hailed the step that was taken a few days ago by South Africa’s ruling party at its national policy conference, and called for more pressure on Israel to recognize the Palestinian people’s rights.

Last Tuesday, the African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party, has called for downgrading the country’s embassy in Israel due to the lack of commitment from Israel on Palestine.

Speaking at the 5th national policy conference, ANC’s international relations commission chairperson Merriam Segabutla said this was one of the ways the ANC was intensifying the solidarity campaign with the people of Palestine, and also pressuring the Israel government.

“The commission reaffirmed the ANC’s unwavering and steadfast commitment for the struggle of the people of Palestine. The commission expressed its disappointment by the Israel’s lack of commitment towards peace with the Palestine people,” Segabutla said.

“The commission debated the continued illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel which is at its 50th year, and Israel’s non-compliance with the international law. The commission called for the downgrading of the South African embassy in Israel to send a strong message about Israel’s continued illegal occupation of Palestine and continued human rights abuses against the people of Palestine,” she added.

The recommendation will go to the ANC’s national conference for approval in December.