Representatives of the Hamas terrorist organization met with the Secretary-General of the ruling African National Congress party in South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Mbalula, tweeting after the meeting, stated that the ANC and the Palestinian delegation concurred on several critical actions, including calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the opening of borders for humanitarian aid, the release of all Palestinian “political” prisoners and the cessation of occupation and importance of unity among Palestinian organizations.
HAPPENING NOW] The Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula addressing the media regarding issues in the domestic and geopolitical environment. https://t.co/vwUzOUNY3X
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 6, 2023
The Hamas delegation was headed by Dr. Bassem Naim, a member of the group’s political bureau in the Gaza Strip. Fatah and Palestine Liberation Organization representatives were also present. The Hamas delegation also met the head of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Solly Mapaila, in Johannesburg.
Naim said they “appreciated the role played by South Africa in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people to obtain their rights.”
The meeting took place during the “16 Days of Action against Violence against Women” event but the ANC and SACP failed to address the Hamas atrocities of Oct. 7 as well as rape and gender-based violence against Israeli women. There were no calls for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
In recent weeks, the South African parliament passed a nonbinding resolution to close the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspend diplomatic ties. Diplomats have been recalled from Israel.
