South Africa summons Israeli Ambassador in South Africa following Israeli attacks on aid ships to Gaza

1 June 2010

South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Sue van der Merwe, in the absence of Minister Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who is on an official visit to France, summoned the Israeli Ambassador in South Africa, Mr Segev-Steinberg.

The reason for the meeting was to issue a Démarche, registering the governments’ strongest possible protest to the Israeli Government, for its unjustified military action and resultant loss of life inflicted by Israel on a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian relief supplies to Gaza.

Deputy Minister van der Merwe expressed the governments’ deep regret at the loss of life and reiterated that this military attack against civilian activists is totally unacceptable and clearly a case of disproportionate use of force.

She further stated that such a military attack was an aberration from acceptable behaviour on the part of a State party in dealing with civilians and that Israel must be held accountable for its actions under international law. In this regard, the South African government also supported a full investigation into the matter which should be prompt, impartial, credible and transparent, as well as conforming to international standards.

The government also requested the immediate release of the ships, as well as civilians held by Israel, including one South African citizen and for Israel to allow the countries concerned to retrieve their deceased and wounded and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance from the convoy to its destination.

For further information, feel free to contact:
Mr Mahlatse Mminele
Cell: 082 889 9432
Tel: 012 351 9279
E-mail: mmineleml@dirco.gov.za

Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
1 June 2010