Question NW3176 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
30 October 2023 - NW3176
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
In light of the current dramatic escalation in tension and the fact that the Republic no longer has an embassy in Israel, what are the full relevant details of how the Government provides support to South Africans in Israel who wish to return home?
Reply:
The South African Embassies in Tel Aviv (Israel) and Ramallah (Palestine) and the Consular Services at Head Office (DIRCO) are hard at work monitoring, collecting information and liaising with South African nationals who might be in distress and in need of consular services.
Since the conflict broke out on 7 October 2023, 120 South Africans in Israel and Palestine have contacted the respective SA Missions to inform them of their presence and expressing their needs. Several South African nationals had encountered problems flying out of Tel Aviv because of the interruption of air services after rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel last weekend. Distressed South African nationals in Gaza are on the United Nations (UN) rescue list and ready to be moved out of Gaza when the opportunity arises.