POLITICS

Planned Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon condemned – MKP

Party says this invasion is not merely a regional conflict; it is an act of terrorism and war that jeopardises the stability of the Middle East

MKP condemns planned Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon

29 September 2024

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party strongly condemns any form of Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon. This act of aggression is not only a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty but also a dangerous escalation that risks plunging the world into widespread conflict.

We call upon the international community to recognise the grave consequences of this unjust invasion and urgently work toward de-escalation and peace.

Rooted in Pan-African ideals and committed to global justice, the MK Party stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine, who have long suffered under the brutal policies of Israeli expansionism. We echo the words of President Jacob Zuma, who once said, "The world cannot continue to allow Israel's Zionist expansion program to slaughter innocent women and children under the guise of security." The invasion of Lebanon represents yet another chapter in Israel's ruthless campaign to destabilise the region—a campaign that has already claimed countless innocent lives in Gaza and now threatens the same fate for Lebanon.

This invasion is not merely a regional conflict; it is an act of terrorism and war that jeopardises the stability of the Middle East and threatens to drag the world into a larger-scale confrontation. The MK Party urges all global powers, including South Africa's BRICS partners, to intervene diplomatically to prevent this conventional warfare from escalating into a potential nuclear conflict. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of peace negotiations before irreversible damage is done.

Israel's actions in Lebanon and Gaza are part of a broader Zionist expansion program, which President Zuma condemned as "heartless and ruthless, targeting not just fighters but innocent civilians, especially women and children, in their own land." This ongoing occupation and aggression demonstrate a blatant disregard for international law and human rights, further isolating Israel from the moral high ground it claims to occupy.

The MK Party strongly believes that the world cannot afford another senseless war with far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. We call upon the United Nations, the African Union, and all nations to exert pressure on Israel to halt its invasion immediately. We further demand that peace negotiations be convened with the full participation of all affected parties, including representatives from Lebanon and Palestine, to address the root causes of this conflict.

If this invasion is not stopped, it could lead to a devastating escalation that will extend beyond the borders of Lebanon and Israel. As the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, we fear this could be a prelude to even greater violence, with the potential introduction of nuclear weapons. The global repercussions would be unimaginable. Immediate action is needed to prevent the unthinkable.

The people of Palestine and Lebanon deserve the world's support in their fight for sovereignty, dignity, and the right to live free from fear and occupation. The MK Party stands firmly with them and calls for a global rejection of Israel's aggressive and expansionist policies.

We will not remain silent while the world edges closer to a conflict that could engulf humanity. It is time for peace, diplomacy, and justice. The MK Party commits itself to fighting for these ideals on the global stage and within South Africa, ensuring that our foreign policy reflects our dedication to the liberation of all oppressed peoples.

Issued by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Head: Media and Communications, MKP, 29 September 2024