20 September 2002
The South African Government is distressed at the bombardment of the compound of President Yasser Arafat by Israeli Defence Forces and the suicide bombing that killed many civilians in central Tel Aviv on Thursday, 19th September 2002.
The relative calm of the last weeks and the consensus within the 'Quartet' to pursue a political process toward peace shed a glimmer of hope for Israel and Palestine.
South Africa has, on numerous occasions expressed, to the Israelis and Palestinians and to governments and peoples throughout the world, that violence should not be allowed to triumph over the right to a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The International community cannot afford to grant extremists, in Israel, Palestine, or elsewhere in the world, a veto over its urgent striving for a genuine, lasting and comprehensive settlement to the Middle East conflict.
The South African Government calls on all international community to do everything in its power to assist the Israeli and Palestinian people to find a common vision for a just, equitable and peaceful Middle East.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs