South Africa Fm: Countries Deserted Palestine

Countries have deserted Palestine. That’s the message from South Africa’s foreign minister Naledi Pandor, who says her nation will always stand in solidarity. She was speaking during a trip to Iran and reminded a press conference of Nelson Mandela’s words that South Africa would never be fully free until Palestine is free.

But while South Africa has been consistent in its condemnation of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, others have not. Several countries had begun normalising relations with Tel Aviv. Morocco is a prominent example and even recognised Israel’s claim over Jerusalem. Saudi Arabia, one of the Arab world’s most powerful countries, was taking a similar path in exchange for guarantees of American protection.

However, those plans may have to be shelved following the outpouring of Arab support for Palestinians during the Israel-Gaza war.

Israel continues to pummel the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 Palestinians in a little over two weeks. Tel Aviv launched the assault following Hamas’ October 7th attack which killed over 1,400 Israelis.