Johannesburg – The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) on Thursday called for the release of two elderly South African women hostages held by Hamas.
SAFI said the elderly females were “abducted by the internationally-designated terrorist organisation Hamas from Israel into Gaza on 7 October 2023”.
SAFI added: “It can confirm that it has been made aware of two South African hostages, both elderly females, that were abducted by the internationally-designated terrorist organisation Hamas from Israel into Gaza on 7 October 2023, and are being held captive alongside over 200 others.
“Hostage-taking constitutes a grave breach in international law and adds to the litany of Hamas’ war crimes to date.”
Bafana Modise, National Spokesperson of SAFI said International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor called the Hamas terrorist organisation, “immediately after their unspeakable atrocities and hostage-taking, to express her solidarity and support”.
Modise added: “After pressure and controversy, Pandor then backtracked and claimed that she only called to express her wish for peace.
“To our knowledge, Pandor has so far refused to engage with democratic Israel or show any goodwill towards the Jewish State.
“If Minister Pandor, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), are truly interested in peace, they should now step in speedily and play an active role in securing the release of the South African hostages, alongside all the others.
“Pandor appears to have a direct line to Hamas, and instead of offering support and solidarity, should be prioritising the urgent release of those held against their will in Gaza.”
SAFI called on DIRCO to do everything in its power to emancipate the South Africans and other hostages, “as well as unequivocally condemn the heinous Hamas atrocities that led to the worst single attack on the Jewish People since the Holocaust”.
SAFI said it will continue to engage with DIRCO daily to free the South Africans and other hostages held in captivity.
“SAFI stands with these citizens, their families, and friends and will do everything in its power to ensure their safe return. It’s time the South African government did the same,” said Modise.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have destroyed about half of the housing units, where the death toll has exceeded 7 000, including women and children.
