Re: Call to Action Against Israel’s Genocide of Palestinians
Attention: Honourable Naledi Pandor
I am a South African citizen who resides in Cape Town, Western Cape. I am writing to express my deepest concerns regarding the ongoing Israeli assault and siege of Gaza and the escalating internment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.The vocal support for the Palestinian people by the South African government is welcomed during this time and, in the spirit of this, I urge the government to couple this with immediate and meaningful action. 
Palestinians from Gaza and in exile published a statement to call upon the international community to take action. This statement lists the following short term demands: 
* “An immediate ceasefire to allow for dignified burials for the deceased in overflowing morgues and under rubble, and to prevent disease outbreaks. 
* The urgent restoration of water, food, fuel, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
* Immediate protection of medical facilities and the reversal of the illegal and inhumane evacuation orders for hospitals 
* The facilitation of a safe passage for casualties and critically-ill individuals in need of medical treatment.
* While the people of Gaza vehemently reject displacement, we insist on openings the crossings for those seeking to evacuate permitting the entry of medical and rescue teams along with their equipment” (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, 2023) 
In order to pressure Israel to meet the above short-term demands, I implore the South African government to immediately implement the following actions: 
* Expel the Israeli ambassador and recall our own ambassador from Israel. 
* Review trade and other relations between Israel and South Africa (including an arms embargo) as recommended by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement. 
* Prosecute South African citizens who serve in the Israeli military and participate in the killing of Palestinians and other war crimes.
The above actions will not only compel Israel to meet the aforementioned short-term demands, but will also create the necessary conditions to direct the Apartheid State of Israel towards a just long-term solution.Though the violence has reached a new peak, it has been the continued experience of Palestinians since the conception of Israel in 1948. 
South Africa’s voice on this matter is valued on the international stage, based on our own experience in the struggle against Apartheid where international solidarity was fundamental for the success of our cause. Colombia made the bold and historic choice to expel the Israeli ambassador after recent events and South Africa doing the same will set a moral precedent for the rest of the continent and the world. It is our moral responsibility as South Africans to stand against oppression and the South African government should represent this stance, leading on the international stage. 
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I await your response.
Free Palestine!
Yours in Humanity,
Kimberley Dixon