arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Israel's Obstruction of S.A Humanitarian Aid To Palestine a Political Issue

Israel's Observer Status at African Union must be Revoked!

By Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman - 5 July 2002

Unhappy with South Africa's verbal and financial support for Palestine, the Israeli Government deliberately prevented Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aziz Pahad, from delivering life saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian Muslims and Christians besieged under Israeli occupation and 18 hour curfews.

Dep. Min. Aziz Pahad cancelled a trip to Sudan and altered his diary for the fifth time to accompany the Five Million Rand consignment sponsored by Gift of the Givers Foundation after Israeli authorities granted written approval on 17 June 2002 permitting delivery of the humanitarian aid. No further conditions were set although a textbook full of conditions were already complied with. On the eve of the trip a Motion of Support for the humanitarian mission was passed unanimously in Parliament.

The Israeli's were fully aware of Mr. Pahad's impending visit having set up his appointments; they were fully aware of the aid flight which they had approved; they were fully aware of every single aid item on the plane since the manifest was in their possession already for a period of 40 days; their Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa were once again reminded by Mr. Aziz Pahad in his office in Pretoria on 07 June 2002 that if there were any outstanding conditions to be complied with they should be timeously informed. In the ensuing 19 days no further conditions were set.

However, on the day of departure when the whole delegation was airborne and underway to Tel Aviv additional conditions were set effectively "Sabotaging" Mr. Pahad's mission and obstructing delivery of aid to Palestine.

South Africa and the South African people have been insulted in spite of Israel's feeble attempts to label the issues as bureaucratic and technical. Even after having re-raised the issue with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Shimon Peres, 7 days ago Israel's political insults and aid obstruction continues with no movement in sight.

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman
National Co-ordinator
Gift of the Givers Foundation
Cel.082 872 3811/ 083 236 4029
Tel.033 3450163
Fax.033 3943780
Web: http://www.giftofthegivers.co.za/
E-mail: info@giftofthegivers.co.za