23 January 2009
Pretoria: A Boeing 747 carrying humanitarian aid contributed by the South
African public and co-ordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Gift
of the Givers Organisation, the South African Council of Churches, the Southern
African Catholic Bishops' Conference and Congress of South African Trade Unions
(Cosatu) earlier today, Friday, 23 January 2009, arrived in Egypt en-route to
Gaza.
The flight, carrying 84 tons of supplies including: medical equipment,
medicines, other medical supplies, high energy and protein supplements, plaster
of paris, bottled water, cooking oil, milk powder, glucose biscuits,
generators, blankets and disposable nappies also transported a team of 25 South
African doctors and journalists to Gaza. Also included in the consignment of
humanitarian aid is an ambulance carrying all vital equipment for medical
procedures.
Deputy Minister Hajaig in commenting on the aid to Gaza said, "It is truly
heart-warming that the people of South Africa could reach out in thought, word
and deed to the people of Palestine. The South African government commends
civil society and non-governmental organisations that have so ardently
supported and co-ordinated this initiative."
"The South African government calls on all sides to recommit themselves to
realising the vision of a secure Israel and a secure Palestine, living
side-by-side within secure borders," continued Deputy Minister Hajaig.
"The South African government reiterates its view that there can be no
military solution to the crisis between the two countries. Indeed, violence
between the two parties' only serves to increase tensions between the peoples
of Israel and Palestine while also threatening regional and international peace
and security," concluded Deputy Minister Hajaig.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
23 January 2009
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs (http://www.dfa.gov.za)
