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Media Statement on the Escalation of
Violence in the Palestinian Occupied Territories
The South African Government is very concerned over
the serious escalation of violence in Gaza over the
past two days, which was sparked off by clashes between
Palestinian militants and the Israeli Defence Force
on Saturday 6 March 2004.
The recent actions taken by both sides has only served
to spark a renewed cycle of violence and counter-violence
that bodes ill for any prospect of peace in this troubled
region, leaving ordinary Israelis and Palestinians yearning
for peace.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad
has condemned the recent incursion of the IDF into Gaza
saying, "The excessive use of force that led to
the deaths of several children aged 8, 12 and 15 is
utterly unacceptable under any circumstance. Furthermore,
serious action must be taken to ensure that the lives
of civilians are protected against excessive military
force". "The fact that more than 81 Palestinians
were wounded during an incursion by the IDF into Gaza
simply cannot be condoned" he added.
In this regard, the South African Government would
like to call on all members of the international community
to ensure that the momentum is created for there to
be talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships.
Acts such as the one that was witnessed over the weekend
cannot be allowed to hold the peace process hostage.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
9 March 2004
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