The South African government continues to raise the issue of Israel’s occupation of Palestine at the United Nations.

In a powerful statement, Pretoria’s representative to the UN, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, last week reminded UN members that Palestine and its people remain under illegal occupation and continue to be deprived of peace, justice, equality and dignity.

Speaking at the Security Council Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Matjila lambasted the UN over its inaction against Israel to end the occupation. “All resolutions adopted by the Council, be they unanimous or not, must be uniformly implemented. We cannot pick and choose which Security Council resolutions should be implemented.”

Matjila also highlighted Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes and destruction of critical infrastructure, such as water, hygiene and sanitation facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic where regular hand-washing and social distancing is critical. “Where are these Palestinians, deprived of their rightful homes, meant to go,” Matjila asked.

Referring to the stalled peace process and recent normalization agreements between Israel and Gulf states, Matjila reiterated South Africa’s position that any solution to the Israeli occupation must include Palestinians as equal stake-holders and take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people.  

Matjila’s comments at the UN are in lock-step with the South African government’s statement on the UAE-Israel agreement in August that it was “regrettable that yet another agreement related to the fate of the Palestinian people was reached without engaging the Palestinians.” 

Palestinian ambassador to South Africa, Hanan Jarrar, welcomed Matjila’s remarks, calling it “timely and necessary.” “South Africa continues to provide unwavering, sustained solidarity and support for the Palestinian liberation struggle,” said Jarrar. She urged other nations to follow South Africa’s example at international forums. “There is so much more that can be done by the international community at various forums like the UN General Assembly,” Jarrar added.

Palestine solidarity groups in South Africa also welcomed Matjila’s comments.

However, some activists have highlighted the increasing gap between the South African government’s words and actions. “On international political stages such as the UN and African Union, the South African government consistently condemns Israeli violations of international law and human rights. But, back home, that very same government continues to have relations with Israel. The words will remain empty without practical measures. The South African government must give the Palestinians more than just nice words,” said Johannesburg-based activist, Suraya Dadoo.

Source: The Afro-Palestine Newswire Service.