Hamas’ rejection of ceasefire shows their true nature
20 August 2024
Hamas' latest rejection of a ceasefire agreement starkly illuminates the organisation's true nature: a champion of terror and death against Jews, with no interest in peace.
In an official statement on Sunday, Hamas rebuffed the terms outlined for a hostage-release ceasefire, which were meticulously discussed in Doha last week. A primary point of contention is Hamas' demand for the complete withdrawal of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) from the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border. Such a withdrawal would enable Hamas to rearm itself, facilitating its oft-stated goal of destroying Israel and replicating the horrors of October 7th.
We must not forget the scale of that atrocity: more than 1,200 innocent Israelis were brutally slaughtered, and 115 hostages remain captive in Gaza today, over 10 months after the attack. The path to ending the war in Gaza is clear and immediate: return the hostages and Hamas - a globally recognised terrorist organisation - must surrender.
Yet, the South African government continues its public support of Hamas, even as the terrorist organisation attempted to carry out a suicide bombing against civilians in Tel Aviv on Sunday. This unwavering backing of a group that actively targets innocent lives is both alarming and morally indefensible.