The Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that nineteen South African nationals, who had faced difficulties in Gaza since the onset of the conflict, successfully crossed into Egypt and are now on their way home.
Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson for the ministry, shared the news, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of South African diplomats in Palestine and Egypt, who worked with local authorities to facilitate this repatriation process.
Monyela stated, “Our nationals will now be coming home,” indicating the safe passage achieved through cooperation between South African diplomats and Egyptian authorities.
The Foreign Ministry had previously released a statement acknowledging Egypt’s role in granting the evacuated foreign nationals secure passage through the Rafah Crossing into its territory.
South Africa, in addition to addressing the immediate evacuation, used the opportunity to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
The nation also advocated for the resumption of diplomatic talks, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive solution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The renewed focus on diplomatic efforts comes in the wake of Israel’s resumption of military operations in Gaza last Friday, following the conclusion of a weeklong humanitarian pause with the Palestinian group Hamas.
The ongoing conflict has taken a severe toll, with at least 16,000 Palestinians killed and over 42,000 others injured due to relentless air and ground attacks since October 7.
Official figures report an Israeli death toll of 1,200 in the conflict. As the situation remains complex and sensitive, South Africa’s call for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations underscores the global concern for a peaceful resolution to the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict.
