The African National Congress welcomes Hamas' acceptance of the extension
of the humanitarian truce in the conflict between Israel and Palestine in
Gaza. It is our hope that all parties to the conflict will heed the call
for a military ceasefire in pursuit of a peaceful environment conducive
to negotiations.

The ANC is encouraged by the efforts of the United Nations at an
intervention to end the senseless loss of life in the region. We continue
to call for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and for
all parties to commit themselves to the resumption of negotiations.