INSIDE POLITICS REPORTER
South Africa on Saturday welcomed new momentum toward a Gaza peace agreement, calling on Israel to take “reciprocal measures” after Hamas’s pledge to release Israeli hostages, and stressing that a durable peace must rest on justice, human rights and Palestinian self-determination.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement that it had “taken note of the recent developments, intended to achieve a ceasefire and peace for Gaza and the region”, which it described as having “the potential to alleviate profound human suffering and build much-needed confidence”.
“We welcome the decision by Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and its stated
readiness for further engagement. This decision must be met with reciprocal action by
the State of Israel.
“Such reciprocal measures will be a confidence building measure
for de-escalation and the restoration of trust. They represent a critical opportunity to
uphold universal human dignity and build a foundation for a just and durable peace.
“We therefore emphasise that the release of Palestinian political prisoners, including
children, and the abductees seized from the humanitarian flotilla, must be urgently
addressed.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump presented a 20-point peace proposal designed to end hostilities, exchange hostages, withdraw Israeli forces from key parts of Gaza, and temporarily place Gaza under international oversight.
Hamas responded that it accepted many of the terms — including the release of all hostages — while reserving rights to negotiate on unresolved points, such as disarmament and final political structures.
While Israel has expressed readiness to begin implementing portions of the plan, particularly a hostage exchange, it has not publicly committed to wider concessions such as a full ceasefire or broad prisoner releases.
In its statement, South Africa made clear that a ceasefire alone is not enough. It urged “an immediate and permanent ceasefire, alongside a definitive political process that realises the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood”.
Pretoria said that process was bound to “relevant United Nations resolutions” and a rules-based international order rooted in international law.
South Africa also stressed its willingness to engage.
“Guided by a commitment to a rules-based international order … South Africa stands ready to support all genuine inclusive efforts aimed at achieving this definitive and peaceful resolution.”
INSIDE POLITICS