Question NW110 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
23 February 2024 - NW110
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether (a) the President and/or (b) any member of the Cabinet met with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full details of the (aaa) discussions and (bbb) concrete agreements reached?
Reply:
The President (a) did not meet with or had a telephone discussion with (i) Mr Ismail Haniyeh and/or (ii) any other members of the Harakat al- Muqawama al-Islamiya (Hamas) in (aa) 2022, (bb) 2023 and (cc) during the period 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date.
Regarding contact with any member of Cabinet (b), it should be recalled that DIRCO issued a media statement on 17 October 2023, confirming that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr GNM Pandor, received a request to call the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine. During the call, and In line with the Government’s position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. The statement further indicated that Minister Pandor and the Hamas leader discussed how to get the provisional supply of necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories.