The IFP Statement on Israel – Palestinian Conflict

Prepared for the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation

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Chairman

In this statement, the IFP wishes to initially recall a brief history of the long feud between Israel and Palestine. We recall the Words of both then Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat, reiterated at the signing of the Oslo Accordsin Washington in September, 13, 1993. The then Foreign Minister of Israel, Shimon Peres and PLO Executive Council member, Mahmud Abbas attended the ceremony and delivered the messages on behalf from their respective leaders.

The message from Prime Minister Rabin was:

“We say to you today in a loud and a clear voice: Enough of blood and tears. Enough. We have no desire for revenge. We harbour no hatred towards you. We, like you, are people who want to build a home, to plant a tree, to love, to live side by side with you in dignity, in empathy, as human beings, as free men. We are today giving peace a chance, and saying again to you: Enough. Let us pray that a day will come when we will all say: Farewell to the arms…”

The message from Chairman Arafat was:

“We will need more courage and determination to continue the course of building coexistence and peace between us. This is possible. And it will happen again with mutual determination and with the effort that will be made with all parties on all tracks to establish the foundations of a just and comprehensive peace. Our people do not consider that exercising the right to self-determination could violate the rights of their neighbours or infringe on their security.”

In line with the views of the International Community and South Africa’s Foreign Policy on the Middle East Question, the IFP supports the “the two state solution” proposed in the Accords and the Road Map, where Israel and Palestine can exist side by side peacefully as two Sovereeign States. However we believe that at this point in the history of that region there are fundamental political, social, and economic conditions that must first be attended to as matter of urgency by the concerned belligerents, in order to pave way for a peaceful dialogue.

Israel should discontinue the expansion of its settlement into the Palestinian territories because this violates the agreements and the principle of “land for peace”

The recognition of the existence of Israel by Hamas and the immediate and total cessation of hostilities from both sides is imperative for a peaceful settlement.

The Palestinian bid for membership in the United Nations should be regarded as cry for help because the Quartet of Nations led by the former prime minister of Britain, was failing to move forward and there was a state of general paralysis by every party concerned about this conflict. Therefore the Palestinians need not be panelized for approaching the UN under these circumstances.

South Africa should proactively assist in the unity of the Palestinian factions and prepare themfor peaceful political negotiations with Israel.

And the rest should be left to the UN and the quartet.

End

Preparedby MB Skosana MP (IFP)

Chairman –IFP ForeignRelations Committee