By Thabo Mosia
South Africa has raised significant concerns over the escalating violence between Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to step in and address the conflict that threatens to engulf the region. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement highlighting the impact of Israel’s military action on Palestine and Lebanon, followed by Iran’s ballistic missile strikes against Israel on 1 October 2024. These developments come in the wake of Israel’s targeted killings of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which have further destabilized the Middle East.
DIRCO’s statement called for “utmost restraint” from all parties, stressing that vulnerable populations are most affected by such conflicts. South Africa reaffirmed its stance that the ongoing occupation of Palestine denies its people the right to self-determination and is a core issue that must be resolved to ensure lasting peace in the region. The South African government also aligned with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of a “devastating region-wide escalation” if the situation is not contained swiftly.
In parallel, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) released a bold statement condemning Israel’s actions and expressing explicit support for Iran’s missile response. According to the EFF, Israel’s occupation and military aggression constitute “apartheid and ethnic cleansing,” comparing the Palestinian struggle to South Africa’s fight against apartheid. The EFF praised Iran’s actions as a justified response to Israel’s provocations, further polarizing the conversation within South African political discourse. The party’s firm anti-Israel stance continues to resonate with segments of South African society, particularly those who view the Palestinian cause as parallel to the country’s own historical struggles against oppression   .
South Africa’s call for international intervention comes at a critical time, as the situation threatens to spiral into a full-blown regional conflict involving multiple state and non-state actors, including Hezbollah and Hamas. The broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly Iran’s growing involvement, have heightened concerns among global powers, while South Africa emphasizes the need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
South Africa has long championed the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace, urging the international community to recommit to previous UN resolutions. In light of Israel declaring Guterres as “persona non grata,” South Africa underscored the importance of upholding global diplomatic norms and maintaining impartiality in efforts to secure a ceasefire and foster dialogue between the conflicting parties.
As the conflict intensifies, South Africa’s position remains one of advocating for a peaceful, negotiated solution that respects the rights of all parties involved, particularly the Palestinians, whose statehood and self-determination are seen as pivotal to resolving the decades-long crisis  .
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