Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
23 May 2001
The South African Government condemns the decision of Israel’s Government to utilise F-16 bomber aircraft against institutions of the Palestinian National Authority last weekend. These and subsequent Israeli attacks against Palestinian Governmental institutions and private homes of senior officials were reportedly launched in retaliation for the murderous suicide bomb attack by a Hamas militant in Netanya on Friday, 18 May 2001 which killed five Israelis andi njured scores more. The Palestinian National Authority, immediately "condemned operations aimed at civilians and innocent people, be it Palestinians or Israelis."
The South African Government also wishes to repeat its oft-stated strongest possible condemnation of suicide bombings committed by Palestinian extremists in Israel. These are, by their very nature, aimed at indiscriminately killing and maiming innocent civilians.
The increasing scale of reprisal attacks by Israel continue to raise thel evel of confrontation between Israel and Palestine markedly and are bound to increase attacks on Israeli targets, including suicide bombs.
The South African Government, in line with the world community, reiterates its ongoing and repeated condemnation of Israel’s persistent practice of engaging in excessive and disproportionate military actions, as reprisals for acts of violence committed by Palestinian extremists, many of whom have demonstrated their violent opposition to the Peace Process over many years.
It renews its call on the Government of Israel to respond positively to President Arafat’s statement of 3 May 2001 before the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement’s Committee on Palestine, in which he said: "I re-iterate my full commitment to the peace process and all agreements signed. The language of violence and bombardment will not serve the interests of Palestinians or Israelis. Therefore, in front of this distinguished gathering, I announce my full acceptance and commitment to the Egypt-Jordanian proposal. I do this with no reservation for the cause of a comprehensive, lasting and justp eace in order to revive the hopes of peace and put the peace process back on its right track. I do so in the interests of the Israeli people, the Palestinian people and the people of the Middle Eastern Region. I am making this commitment in front of President Mbeki and I count on you all. I address this to Mr.S haron; the Prime Minister of Israel, saying my commitment to peace is for peace and security for your children and our children and for the stability and peace of the whole Middle-East region."
The South African Government condemns in the strongest terms all attacks on innocent civilians and expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families of all those killed in the recent violence.
For More Information, Please Contact Dumisani Rasheleng
Office No. (012) 351 0067 / 0128
Cellular No. 083 709 8166