By JULES BASWALA & SAYED RIDHWAAN
SEVERAL South African organisations have strongly condemned United States President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the Gaza Strip, with calls for the public to stand against what they describe as ‘delusional schemes’ and actions that would lead to further oppression of the Palestinian people.
Palestinian journalist and blogger, Muna Hawwa, shared her insights on Trump’s plan. She cautioned that while one could dismiss the fact that Trump would never succeed in displacing the Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, ‘it does not mean that merely talking about these ideas has no effect.
‘What Trump and Netanyahu are doing is not just political nonsense, but rather a calculated strategic manipulation that relies on creating an imaginary reality so that impossible ideas become debatable, and unfeasible projects seem like proposed scenarios.
Hawwa added: ‘This is not an improvised policy, but rather a deliberate method inspired by political and media theories that aim to reshape public awareness and push opponents into defensive positions instead of keeping them on the offensive.’
The Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), in a press statement, expressed firm opposition to Trump’s suggestions of the US capturing Gaza and displacing Palestinians to neighbouring countries. The CTUB labelled the proposals as outrageous, morally unacceptable, and in violation of international law. They urged the South African government to engage with the US and voice their opposition against such endeavours.
Expressing strong opposition to Trump’s proposals of capturing Gaza and displacing Palestinians to neighbouring countries, Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari highlighted the moral and legal implications of such actions. He emphasised that Gaza rightfully belongs to the Palestinian people and any attempts to expel them from their land are not only unacceptable but also a violation of international law.
Similarly, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) expressed revulsion at Trump’s statements, noting the blatant disregard for international conventions recognizing Palestinian rights to their land. JUSA criticised the US President’s advocacy for ethnic cleansing and emphasized the resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of ongoing atrocities.
JUSA called on all countries in the Middle East, and across the globe, to ‘challenge this echo from the White House of the Balfour Declaration, which represents an expression of intent to take and give what one does not possess.
Meanwhile, the organisation Africa4Palestine issued a press statement condemning Trump’s collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labelling it as a dangerous escalation in the ethnic cleansing and genocidal campaign against Palestinians. The organisation highlighted Trump’s proposal for the US to take over Gaza and his call for the forced displacement of Palestinians as violations of international law.
These organisations stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and call on the international community to denounce the actions of both the US and Israeli governments. They emphasise the need for justice, peace, and respect for human rights in the region, denouncing any attempts to illegitimately seize land or dislocate populations.
The strong and unified stance taken by the Cape Town Ulama Board, Jamiatul Ulama South Africa and other South African organisations reflects a growing wave of international condemnation against Trump’s proposed actions in Gaza. As voices from South Africa and beyond unite in opposition to these ideas, the call for justice, peace, and solidarity with the Palestinian people becomes increasingly urgent.
