Minister Pandor dismisses reports of ‘Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood’ support

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International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has clarified the contents of her discussion with the leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh.

Pandor said she received a request to call Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine.

She said during the call she reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine.

The minister, however, expressed sadness over the loss of lives both Palestinians and Israelis.

DIRCO has refuted reports that Pandor used that call to offer support for the “Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood”.

“Minister Pandor’s call with the Hamas leader is in line with South Africa’s readiness to engage all interlocutors as part of facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing conflict.

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“South Africa therefore calls on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence, and for the international community to actively advocate for the implementation of its own international resolutions and establish a credible peace process,” the department said.