Johnathan Paoli
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has preliminary confirmed that two South Africans have died in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On Saturday morning, the militant wing of Hamas released a surprise attack on Israel, with the conflict transforming into a more extensive war, when Israel responded with a barrage of rockets on the region of Gaza, claiming as many as a thousand lives.
Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela confirmed that the department had been notified that two South African nationals have been killed in the conflict, but that it remains unconfirmed whether one of the individuals held a dual Israeli and South Africa citizenship.
“The verification process is currently underway because one of the individuals is reported to have an Israeli ID number, so we need to determine whether there is dual citizenship or what the picture is,” Monyela said.
Monyela on behalf of the SA Government expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“Our missions in Ramallah and Tel Aviv are coordinating efforts and also rendering consular assistance and services to the families of our nationals,” he said.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent condolences on the lives lost during the conflict where he said South Africa stands with the international community in condemning the violence in the region.
Ramaphosa also said South Africa stands ready to work with the international community and to share our experience in mediation and conflict resolution as we have done on the continent and around the world.
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