Israel and Gaza

I abhor violence in all its forms, especially against innocent women and children everywhere in the world including in Israel and Gaza. It’s driven by men who are broken and patriarchal. And I condemn it.

Like most South Africans I have always stood with the right of Palestinians to have self-determination and the right to an independent state.

I have supported Israel right to its existence as per the boundaries agreed by the United Nations. But it has no international legal or moral right to illegally occupy Palestine.

But to see a member of the United Nations, Israel, speaking publicly about annihilating Palestinians smacks of genocide and murderous intent that qualifies it as a crime against humanity.

I believe that the situation facing Palestinians is Infinitely worse than apartheid.

To see western governments not just supporting Israel in its war against Palestinian people is hypocrisy and double standards. It’s inconceivably evil to send more arms and weapons into such an explosive situation and to back a government that has no qualms about killing innocent civilians, starving people into submission and denying food and medical supplies is criminal.

We all need to stand up and condemn this affront on our humanity and call on all sides to sit around a negotiation table. Silence their guns. And start talking.

The Israeli government has consistently vetoed a two state solution. It’s time the world told them to now sit down and negotiate this outcome. To end their illegal occupation and economic blockade of Gaza and stop the bombing of women and children immediately.

And it’s time for the West, especially the United States and United Kingdom to get their ally Israel to the negotiation table.

As Mandela said and I believe, “We will never be free, until the people of Palestine are free to chose their own government.”

💚💚💜💜