Statement on the evacuation of South Africans from Gaza

4 December 2023

Early on Sunday, 11 November 2023, 19 South African nationals who have been stuck in Gaza since 7 October 2023, were approved for evacuation into Egypt by the Israeli authorities.

The evacuated South Africans, comprising six males and 13 females, have now arrived safely in Cairo and are en route to South Africa.

South Africa extends its gratitude, to the Government of Egypt for granting the evacuated foreign nationals’ safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country.

The Israeli Government has indicated that it intends to extend its attack on the people of Gaza. The statements from Israeli leaders appear impervious to the global calls for an immediate end to the killing of Palestinian civilians.

South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 4 December 2023