The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has provided clarity on the discussion between Minister Naledi Pandor and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Dirco said Pandor received a request to call Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Gaza and other Palestinian territories. 

Pandor echoed South Africa’s solidarity and support of Palestine and expressed sadness for the loss of innocent lives in Palestine and Israel.

Hamas has confirmed that the phone call from Pandor expressing support and solidarity was well received. 

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed South Africa’s endeavour to stop the Zionist aggression against Gaza and its rejection of the displacement of citizens from Gaza, and indicated [her] country’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected in Gaza,” the resistance movement said.

Dirco reiterated that the Minister’s call with Haniyeh was consistent with South Africa’s readiness to facilitate a dialogue to end the ongoing conflict.

“The reports that Minister Pandor also offered support for the ‘Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood’ are untrue and meant to impugn the Minister and government of South Africa,” said Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said reports that government offered support to Hamas were false. 

“We do not have a bilateral relationship with Hamas. We have bilateral ties with the Palestinian Authority. Support for the Palestinian struggle against occupation does not equate to support for Hamas,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Dirco said it is ready to lend its hand to mediation and conflict resolution efforts.

“South Africa, therefore, calls on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence, and for the international community to actively advocate for the implementation of its own international resolutions and establish a credible peace process,” said Monyela.