War Crimes Must Be Investigated
16 November 2023
The African National Congress welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that our government has put through a referral to the International Criminal Court. We cannot sit back and watch the genocidal actions of the Israeli regime. President Ramaphosa has stated clearly that the ANC-led government as well as the ANC does not condone any form of violence directed at citizens. We welcome the fact in this intervention South Africa is not alone it has the support of other nations.
We reiterate our call for a cease-fire for humanitarian corridors to be fully operational. Given the unfolding atrocities in occupied Palestine, the African National Congress will agree to a parliamentary motion which calls upon the government to close the Israel Embassy in South Africa and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel agrees to a cease-fire and commits to binding United Nations facilitated negotiations whose outcome must be a just, sustainable and lasting peace.
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ANC CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF AHMED ABBASI
16 November 2023
On the occasion of the time when the ANC commemorates National Doctors Day and those whose commitment is beyond the borders of humanity, tragedy befell the people of South Africa and Gift of the Givers on the brutal death of Ahmed Abbasi.
Abbasi joined those on the side of love and care for humanity in contributing to global efforts and humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.
In the course of his calling, and selflessness amidst the raining mortars of the apartheid Israel state, he fell in the line of duty.
As the ANC, Abbasi is not a statistic, but an army of martyrs committed to a peaceful world and humanity.
He joins a platoon of those who fell at the hands of cruelty and callousness. His death and the global efforts for a free Palestine are not in vain.
The ANC pays tribute to the Abbasi family and loved ones, Gift of the Givers and a world committed to justice and respect for life in mourning Abbasi.
Statements issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, African National Congress national spokesperson, 16 November 2023
