South Africans Call for Action 'For Human Rights, Not Palestinian Rights' amid Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

As the conflict between Israel and Gaza enters into its 14th day, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) alongside sympathetic South African citizens rallied in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The demonstrators picketed outside the United States consulate in Sandton, Johannesburg on the 19th of October 2023.

This public outcry was led by people like Whidaad Hoosen, a self-identified Muslim, who clarified that their demonstration was grounded in a wider appeal for human rights, as opposed to being a solely Islamic or Palestinian issue. Hoosen drew parallels between the current plight of Palestine and the struggles endured by South Africans under the oppressive apartheid regime.

Despite the traumatic experience of apartheid, Hoosen pointed out that South Africa was not subjected to the level of violent bombardment currently being experienced by Palestinians. She also expressed her grief at the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives, criticizing what she sees as the western media's misrepresentation of the Hamas militant group.

Similar sentiment was echoed by Leila Akahloun, another participant at the rally. She called for a peaceful two-state solution and took a stand against the atrocities witnessed in the ongoing conflict. Akahloun voiced her concerns over the severe humanitarian toll on the citizens of Gaza and demanded more facilitate aid delivery amidst the volatile situation.