On Wednesday this week; 5 April 2023; the South African Department of International Relations & Cooperation released a media statement in which the nation condemned the Israeli attacks on Palestinian Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

This follows the Israeli occupation forces assault on Palestinian worshippers overnight, in which seven worshippers were injured and 400 Palestinians were arrested and held at a police station in Atarot in East Jerusalem. The department condemned the Israeli attackers use of stun grenades and tear gas, deeming it unjust.

“These actions threaten the internationally agreed status quo in relation to Jerusalem and its sacred sites,” the statement reads. “Israel as the occupying power has specific obligations in terms of the international human rights and humanitarian law to protect Palestinians. However, the Israeli government continues to breach these obligations with no accountability.”

The Palestinian Muslim worshippers are entitled to practice their religion in peace, without fear or intimidation by Israeli forces. The South African Government will remain committed to reviving a political process to end the occupation so that the human rights of all are secured.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk