ANC Condemns Evictions of Palestinians from Sheikh Al Jarrah (East Jerusalem)
The African National Congress (ANC) condemns the determination of the Israeli regime to evict Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Al Jarrah, East Jerusalem. This development must not be seen in isolation. It is part of a well co-ordinated and elaborate agenda by apartheid Israel to entrench its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and to render the people of Palestine landless in their own land.
We also condemn the callous brutality and repression meted out against innocent Palestinian protesters at Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, where more than 200 peaceful protesters were injured. A situation where Palestinians are forced off their land and into exile or refugee camps must not be allowed.
The ANC has consistently expressed its profound opposition to the colonial occupation of Palestinian land by the Israeli regime. A heartless campaign of systematic land dispossessions, ongoing human rights violations, state-sponsored violence against innocent civilians are the harsh realities faced by the people of Palestine on a daily basis.
We call on the United Nations to put relentless pressure on the Israeli regime to stop its campaign of systematic repression and ruthless brutality against the people of Palestine. We urge the international community to rise to the occasion and stop apartheid Israel from expanding its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands and property, and ensure that apartheid Israeli is held accountable for perpetrating crimes against humanity. Apartheid Israel cannot continue to violate international law with impunity.
The ANC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand firmly on the side of the people of Palestine in their struggle to achieve freedom and self-determination. The ANC believes that peace and justice will only be achieved when recognition is given to the rights of the people of Palestine to their land and freedom.
We urge all our structures, alliance partners and all freedom-loving people of the world to remain steadfast in our collective solidarity with the people of Palestine.
END
Issued by the African National Congress
Lindiwe Zulu
Chairperson, International Relations Sub-Committee
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
+27 (0)71 623–4975
Image: ANC logo. Source: ANC.
