Thank you.

Mr V ZUNGULA: Chairperson, this debate is of paramount importance to our nation's values, its commitment to justice, its legacy as a beacon of hope for those oppressed and seeking freedom first and foremost and condemns the continuous violation of human rights in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is a humanitarian crisis that demands our collective outrage and immediate attention. We cannot remain silent whilst innocent civilians including the most vulnerable women and children suffered a devastating consequences of this protracted conflict. We, as a nation must uphold the principles of justice, human dignity and self-determination for all peoples including Palestinian people.

Weexpress our full support for the South African government decision to recall all South African diplomats from Israel. This is a crucial step that signifies our nation's commitment to the principles of justice and human rights. We must stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people just as the world once stood with us during our own struggle against apartheid. Our history serves as a stark reminder of the value of the global support in the face of oppression and injustice. Furthermore, we strongly condemn the actions of Israel's ambassadors to South Africa. Diplomacy should be conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and principles of mutual respect.

When such actions undermine these principles they demand our swift and resolute response. In our fight against apartheid we learnt the profound significance of international solidarity and support. We cannot remain silent when faced with the gross violation of human rights. The parallels between our own painful history and the Israel-Palestine conflict are undeniable. That is why as the ATM we are in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We call for the Israel embassy in South Africa to be shut down and the ambassador declared a persona non grata as a powerful symbol of our protest against apartheid and genocide. We must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that South Africa is not complicit in this grave human rights violations. Our nation's dedication to human rights should be unwavering and we must strive to set an example for the world by defending these fundamental principles. In conclusion, we align ourselves with the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation. We call for unwavering commitment to justice, peace and the protection of human rights in the Israel- Palestine conflict. Let us be a voice of the voiceless and work diligently towards a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in peace and security. I thank you.

Mr B N HERRON: House Chair, the dynamic and complex world of shifting geopolitical power, South Africa's foreign policy must be guided by the same constitutional values and principles that guide policy at home. On that basis we cannot look the other way when Russia invades a neighbouring foreign sovereign state nor when Israel perpetrates genocide against the people of Palestine. We can't maintain friendly relations with a state that has publicly committed itself to perpetrating unprecedented violence against innocent people to buttress unjust policies that trigger memories of our own experiences under apartheid. A state that is holding millions of people collectively responsible for Hamas on 07 October 2023 attack despite the overwhelming majority of them having nothing to do with Hamas. We can't look the other way when images of dead and wounded Palestinian children dominate our screens and consciousness. As such, we regard the further review of diplomatic relations with Israel as necessary, appropriate and as a matter of principle. Wefurther call on the Department of International Relations and Co- operation, Dirco, to turn up the heat at the United Nations for a resolution calling for ceasefire. It is the right thing to do.

This does not mean we are anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas or do not believe that the people of Israel have the same right as the people of any other nation to live in safety. To be clear, for as long as Israel illegally occupies Palestinian land, encourages its farmers to grab more land and regards Palestinians as untrustworthy and deserving of contempt it breathes fresh oxygen on a smoldering fire. It provides fresh daily provocation for people who are willing to do what Hamas did four Saturdays ago.