Media Statement
24 July 2019
Demolition of Palestinian buildings in East Jerusalem
South Africa strongly condemns the demolition of Palestinian buildings comprising of residential apartments by Israeli authorities in Wadi al Hummus, part of the Sur Baher neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem. This led to families being displaced and also affected owners of properties that were under construction or not yet inhabited.
This is one of the biggest demolitions Israel has carried out on Palestinian buildings in many years and such actions violate the adopted international agreements with regard to the Israeli-Palestine situation. South Africa is deeply concerned that the actions by the Israeli Government undermine the conditions for successful final status negotiations and for advancing the two-state solution through negotiations leading to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
South Africa calls on the Israeli Government as the occupying force to immediately and completely halt its plan of forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian homes. South Africa also calls on the Israeli Government to compensate those affected by the demolitions. South Africa further calls on Israel to respect and abide by the agreements it had negotiated with the Palestinians over the years.
South Africa remains committed to working with Israel, Palestine and with the international community to find a lasting solution to the conflict within the parameters of the relevant United Nations resolutions and international law.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084