South Africans Trapped Amidst Intense Gaza Airstrikes

Escalating tensions in the Middle East have resulted in a life-threatening crisis for at least 16 South Africans, currently trapped amidst an intense bombardment in Gaza. Reports of the violence have reached South Africa's ambassador to Palestine, Shaun Byneveldt, who confirmed a sharp increase in distress calls from these stranded citizens, the number rising from 10 to 16 in just a few days.

The ongoing conflict, ignited by Israel's relentless mortar attacks on Gaza, has left these South Africans in a state of peril, stranded with no escape route as the violence amplifies. Byneveldt, revealing the precarious situation, stated, "They are trapped in Gaza, unable to get out."

He assured that the embassy has established contact with the United Nations, adding the South Africans to the evacuation list, but no evacuation has been facilitated yet. The Israeli Defence Forces’ warning to Gazans has forced 15 of them to relocate to shelters in Southern Gaza, away from the imminent ground invasion in the north.

Byneveldt also reported a case of a South African woman who had refused to relocate due to financial concerns. Amidst this chaos, Haidar Eid, a dual Palestine-South African national, appealed for South Africa to sever all ties with Israel, including diplomatic, economic, and sports relations, amidst the escalating slaughter in Gaza.

On the other side of the conflict, Gili Romann expressed heart-wrenching anguish over his missing sister, abducted by Hamas. Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner signaled intentions of launching a ground attack and eradicating the Hamas.

Amidst speculations of Hamas presence in South Africa, Dirco spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, confirmed that the South African government does not officially recognize Hamas.