The Israeli government and the Palestinian people should move beyond retribution and revenge, South Africa’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Aziz Pahad, said on Friday.
He was reacting to the terrorist bombing of the cafeteria in the Frank Sinatra Building at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Wednesday this week.
Pahad said the South African government was deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries caused by the blast.
He reiterated the view that these forms of terrorist attacks directed at Israeli civilians could not be justified as legitimate acts of resistance, and must be condemned unequivocally.
”This ongoing cycle of violence can only lead to a greater loss of life and will not deliver the peace and security sought by both Israelis and Palestinians”, Pahad said.
Terrorist acts strengthened those on both sides of the conflict that do not believe in a just and peaceful settlement.
The South African government called on both the Israeli government and the Palestinian people to move beyond retribution and revenge.
”We call on the people of Israel and Palestine to raise their voices for peace and an end to bloodshed.
”A just, comprehensive and lasting peace is not beyond their grasp.
”An internationally recognised framework for this exists based on the Arab Peace Plan, along with relevant UNSC resolutions, the ‘land for peace principle’ and previous negotiations on final
status issues.” – Sapa