Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
10 May 2002
The South African Government is gravely concerned by reports that Israel is amassing troops on its border with the Gaza Strip. It strongly urges Israeli to re-consider any plans to undertake further military actions within the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in high density civilian areas such as Palestinian controlled towns and refugee camps.
South Africa reiterates is total condemnation of all acts of terror targeting civilians. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, said today: "We share the sorrow of Israel in the wake of the bomb blast in Rishon Letzion on Tuesday 7th May. However, this tragic attack should serve to demonstrate to the Israeli Government that excessive use of military force is not delivering peace and security to Israel. The legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood must urgently be met in order to put acts of terror behind us forever."
The South African Government was very pleased to note that, despite the impediments to fully operational capacity caused by the Israeli blockade, military attacks and incursions, the Palestinian police had already arrested 16 Hamas members in connection with terrorist activities.
The South African Government fully supports the statement made by President Arafat following the bomb blast in Rishon Letzion in which he re-iterated his backing for the international fight against terrorism. President Arafat also asks for the assistance of the international community to protect and support the Palestinian security forces "whose infrastructure was destroyed by the Israeli occupation, so that they can carry out their duties and execute the orders issued to them to definitely eliminate any attempts to carry out a terrorist attack". To this end the South African Government continues to support fully President Arafat's call for "the important deployment of an international force to help us put an end to the aggression. and impose peace".
Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad said "Israel has targeted the very institutions and personnel that the PNA require to deal with Palestinians who are carrying out terror attacks within Israel. The international community must heed the call of President Arafat in regard to assisting him fulfil his stated aim of eliminating violence against Israeli citizens. South Africa will continue to raise the necessity for an international presence on the ground in order for genuine negotiations for a peaceful settlement to restart".