Mr MHLENGWA: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister, I think of the seven action steps that you have enumerated in your statement, none of them can be faulted. The Inkatha Freedom Party has always advocated for the path of nonviolence and negotiations and remains steadfast in our belief that a two- state solution for Israel and Palestine could provide the peace, justice and stability that the Middle East so desperately needs.

Exactly a month ago, on October 7, the fragile peace in the Middle East was tested and shattered when a series of Hamas attacks were carried out against Israel, with civilians bearing the brutal brunt of this violence. As the Israel and Palestine conflict continues to inflict suffering on innocent civilians and disrupt regional harmony, the IFP strongly urges all parties involved to lay down their arms and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a lasting solution to this protracted crisis. We call on Israel to exercise restraint and commit to a ceasefire and peace process. We call on Hamas to join the peace process and come to the negotiation table to find an amicable solution to this conflict. After weeks of violence, many more innocent lives have been lost. These are not faceless statistics, but real people with hopes and aspirations, families and communities.

It is our moral duty, not only as South Africans but as a global community, to hear their cries and respond to their plight.

As the IFP, we want to caution the South African government that isolationism in a time of war is not a solution. Recalling or dismissing ambassadors merely amounts to regressive diplomacy, which in turn complicates the negotiations. If South Africa is truly to be a trusted mediator committed to reaching a negotiated peace, all parties to the conflict must be treated in the same way.

As the IFP, we echo the call of the United Nations for both sides to declare an immediate ceasefire and to return to the negotiating table. The nations of the world must stand together to condemn all violence against civilians regardless of their circumstances. The international community, including the United Nations, must facilitate and support these negotiations, ensuring they are fair, inclusive and conducted in good faith.

Chairperson, we want to reiterate that we remain committed to a two-state solution whereby both nations can peacefully co- exist. Achieving this solution will require both sides to make concessions for the greater good. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to be part of the solution and not to contribute to the problem.

Hon Chairperson, security is a fundamental concern for both Israelis and Palestinians. By calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, condemning violence and urging a two-state solution, we are also advocating for the safety and security of those living in the region. We want to reiterate the call and need to ensure that human rights humanitarian aid reaches the people who so direly need it during this difficult time. But at the forefront of our thinking, House Chairperson is a clarion call for peace and negotiations. I thank you.

Dr C P MULDER: Hon Chairperson, today is the 7th of November, it was exactly a month ago on the 7th of October when a group of Hamas fighters, some call them terrorists, others will call them freedom fighters, attacked civilians in the southern part of Israel, and the worst atrocities you can imagine were committed by this group of people, 1 400 Israeli citizens, civilians were murdered, mutilated, raped, children beheaded, put in ovens and set on fire, this and that happened.

How did the ANC respond? The whole ANC Cabinet came out with their scarves and they said 'We support and we stand with Palestine.' They said they support and stand with Palestine with the flags and everything in their hands. Not one word, not one word of condemnation of Hamas and these atrocities, not one word. Only after Ahmed Abyss denounced Hamas. After that, a weak record came from the ANC.