WATCH | LAMOLA REAFFIRMS SA’S STANCE ON PALESTINE, US RELATIONS

Mon 15 July 2024:

Newly appointed minister of international relations, Ronald Lamola, has reaffirmed Pretoria’s stance on the war in Gaza, Palestine, and its often fraught relationship with the United States (US).

Speaking in an interview on Salaamedia, the youthful Lamola said SA’s relationship ought to be “continuously enhanced” through “mutually beneficial legislation” – referring to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

“The US benefits from us through some of the minerals which we are the only country that exports to the US. We also benefit through these friendly terms of AGOA,” he said, about the American piece of legislation.

When asked about the issue of Palestine, he said the country supported “any dialogue that is able to cease fire in Gaza”.

In December, SA took the unprecedented decision to take Israel to the World Court in an effort to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Pro-Palestine supporters had urged the 7th administration to remain committed to the case when a coalition government was installed after the May elections.

Said Lamola on Monday: “We will continue to explore all the measures at a UN level and at the ICJ, if need be, to ensure that the rights of self-determination, humanitarian access, and the cessation of fire by the State of Israel, is realised”.

The minister’s comments come as Israel’s attack helicopters pound central Gaza, where Palestinians have endured more than nine months of bombardment. Schools, medical facilities and other civilian infrastructure have not been spared, bringing the death toll to at least 38 584.

written by Zahid Jadwat