Israeli security forces interrogated African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Fikile Mbalula on Friday when he entered Palestine to attend a meeting.
ANCYL spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said Mbalula was on his way to attend a meeting of the Socialist International Council in Palestine.
Prior to that, Mbalula had been left alone as he visited progressive youth organisations in Israel.
”Surprisingly, when he crossed the border to meet with the Palestine youth, they questioned his bona fides, his nationality, ostensibly undermining both our interaction with the Palestinians and the Palestinians themselves as a people worth [of] such international interactions.”
Acting Israeli ambassador in Pretoria Ilan Sluss said he knew nothing of Mbalula’s visit.
He said visitors to Israel wishing to cross between areas under Palestinian control and those under Israeli control usually act in coordination with their embassies and Israeli government departments.
People cross into Israel from Palestinian areas every day with intentions of carrying out acts of terror, and Israeli soldiers have to ask questions.
”This is reality,” Sluss said.
The ANCYL said Mbalula was attended the meeting in Israel in his capacity as president of the International Union of Socialist Youth.
The meeting was convened in both Israel and the occupied territories as part of the peace process led by the quartet of Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.
”We call upon the Israeli forces to give peace a chance. We shall continue to engage progressive forces, both in Israel and Palestine, until peace is attained,” the ANCYL said.
Sluss said Israel also favours an end to conflict.
”But as long as there is no peace, it is difficult. Both sides are suffering.” — Sapa