Presidency ‘delighted' that more countries recognising Palestine as a state
At least 145 countries are now calling for Palestine to be recognised as a state, with Australia, Canada, and France also announcing their intentions to do so later in 2025.
The recognition of a Palestinian statehood comes as the Israeli government has announced plans to extend its illegal settlements into Gaza.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said this had been long overdue.
"It's about time that we get more and more countries recognising the historical reality that Palestinians are deserving of nationhood. They do have a right to exist, to shape and determine their own future, free from occupation and free from constant barrage of military attacks, as well as genocidal attacks, as we have experienced. From the South African point of view, we are delighted that more and more nations that this right needs to be given practical meaning - it can't just be in theory and in words."
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