Middle East
15 June 2006
Pretoria - The South African Government wishes to express its concern at the
continuing Israeli military actions in the occupied territories. The latest
reported air strike by Israel in the Gaza strip, which have caused the death of
11 persons, nine of whom are believed to be civilians, and the wounding of 40
others, including six children, and the recent tragic death of seven members of
the same Palestinian family on a beach in Gaza is reflecting a very serious and
dangerous situation. These tragedies underline the urgency of Israel to stop
its excessive military actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Such actions can only result in the growing anger not only in the occupied
territories but the region as a whole, making a political solution more
difficult.
The Government would also like to renew its call to Israel to act with the
utmost self-restraint in ensuring the legitimate defence and security of its
own people.
Such actions have already led to the calling off, of the unilateral
cease-fire agreement agreed to by Hamas. This will lead to increasing violence
and further undermine the Palestinian people's desire for peace, prosperity and
a viable Palestinian state. We urge Hamas not to take action that will only
create the conditions for the systematic elimination of the Palestinian
leadership and a mobilisation of forces against the legitimate demand for a
Palestinian state.
Given the new political dynamics in the region resulting from the
legislative elections held in both Palestine and Israel earlier this year, the
Government joins the rest of the international community in hoping that these
developments would lead to true dialogue and an eventual resumption of
substantive negotiations, rather than unilateral actions and increased
violence.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 June 2006
Source: SAPA
