Pandor calls for "immediate, comprehensive ceasefire" in Gaza
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa remains very vocal on the deadly conflict between Israel and Palestine.
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has slammed the indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza strip by the Israeli defence force.
READ: Sky above Gaza turns red in deadly night of strikes
While addressing the National Assembly, Pandor urged South Africans to call for a ceasefire and presented a number of steps to lead Israel and Palestine out of the conflict.
She said, "as South Africans, we need to raise our voices and call for the following concrete action to end the suffering. One: an immediate comprehensive ceasefire."
"Two, the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and all other basic services reach all in need. Three, all parties to exercise restraint and to desist in fueling this patently unjust war and human suffering, including by ceasing the supplying of weapons to the various parties."
"Four, the release of all civilian hostages. Five, in light of statements on the use of nuclear power, the establishment of a Middle East nuclear weapons free-zone just as we have created in our continent, Africa."
"Six, the resumption of a comprehensive led and owned by Palestinians and Israeli's themselves and facilitated by the United Nations."
"Seven, the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, mandated to monitor, the implementation of a ceasefire, cessation of hostilities and most importantly to protect civilians."
