AFRICAN LEADERS REACTS TO THE ONGOING WAR IN ISRAEL

By Edwin F -

African leaders have been responding to the ongoing dispute between Israel and Hamas in the wake of Hamas' unprecedented and multifaceted attack on Israel. The attack, known as "Al-Aqsa Storm" by Hamas, stands as the largest and most devastating assault on Israel since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Indeed, militants made their way into Gaza early on Saturday, employing various modes of entry, including land, air, and sea, thereby leaving behind a trail of terror and destruction. In light of these events, Israel has officially declared a state of war, initiating "Operation Sword of Iron" which involves targeted strikes against suspected Hamas and Islamic Jihad locations within Gaza. 

 Chairperson Moussa Faki 

Israel has also announced a comprehensive siege of Gaza, cutting off vital supplies such as fuel, electricity, food, and water. The ongoing conflict has tragically resulted in a substantial loss of life, with the Israeli Health Service reporting at least 1,200 fatalities and approximately 2,900 injuries within Israel, while the Palestinian Health Authority indicates that at least 1,354 individuals have been killed and over 6,000 injured in Gaza. Additionally, the conflict has caused significant damage to infrastructure and has led to the displacement of countless civilians. 

In Africa, leaders in the region have been responding to the unexpected attack that took place on Saturday, expressing their disapproval of Hamas' aggressive actions. However, their reactions highlight the divisions within the continent regarding the root cause of the conflict and who should be held responsible. It has been confirmed that two individuals from Africa were involved in the conflict, as announced by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, stating that two Tanzanians were among the international civilians targeted in Hamas' surprise attack on Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tanzania issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow for the families of both Israelis and Palestinians who lost their lives. Additionally, the statement condemned all acts of violence and called for self-restraint in order to prevent any further loss of human life.

Expressing his deep concern, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), addressed the recent eruption of violence that has had severe repercussions on the lives of both Israeli and Palestinian individuals. Mahamat underscored the disappointing outcome of previous international endeavors to resolve this crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for an autonomous and self-governing nation for the Palestinian people. The Chairperson highlights the fundamental rights of the Palestinians, particularly their entitlement to an independent and sovereign state, which stands as the primary catalyst for the enduring tension between Israel and Palestine. The African Union has promptly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, imploring both sides to resume diplomatic negotiations.

African Union (AU) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has expressed his deep concern regarding the eruption of violence, which has had severe ramifications for the Israeli and Palestinian populations. Mahamat has underscored the ineffectiveness of previous global endeavors in resolving this crisis and has advocated for the establishment of an autonomous and self-governing Palestinian nation. It is paramount for the Chairperson to underscore the inherent rights of the Palestinian people, specifically emphasizing that the existence of an independent and sovereign State is the primary catalyst for the enduring Israeli-Palestinian friction. The African Union has further urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and implored both parties to recommence diplomatic negotiations.

In opposition to Tanzania's declaration, a number of African leaders have criticized Israel's reaction to Hamas' assault. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has pleaded for a cessation of what he characterized as "Israeli belligerence" towards Palestinians. Furthermore, he has urged both parties to demonstrate restraint and resume negotiations. Likewise, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has denounced Israel's actions against Palestinians and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.





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