The following proposed resolution was drawn up after discussions with ACDP MPs, the Israeli Ambassador, The Zionist Federation in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban and the Jewish Board of Deputies in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban and will be presented at the International Relations Committee meeting on 11th September 2013.
ACDP PROPOSAL
RESOLUTION ON ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
• That the Portfolio Committee sought to understand the underlying causes of the long-standing Palestinian/Israeli conflict, and make a contribution to the search for a comprehensive, just, peaceful and lasting solution.
• That this enquiry took place in the context of the fact that Palestinians have, after more than 2 decades of negotiations that failed to satisfy the minimum requirements of self-determination and Statehood, submitted an application for Statehood to the United Nations.
Recalling;
• That the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has undertaken an extensive enquiry into the Israeli/Palestinian conflict involving a broad section of the South African society, representing government, religious, trade union, civil society and lobby groups and representatives of the Palestinian Authority and Israeli government respectively.
• This enquiry took the form of 2 briefing meetings and a Symposium involving a broad section of the South African public.
• The Symposium on 16 November 2011, hosted with the participation of the Ambassadors of Palestine, HE. Ambassador Ali Halimeh (now late) and HE Ambassador Dov Segev Steinberg of the State of Israel.
• That civil society organisations, government, religious bodies, trade unions, lobby groups, political organisations and members of the public participated robustly and made valuable contributions to the debate.
• That the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation undertook visits to Gaza (Palestine) from 7 December to 11 December 2011 and Israel and West bank, (Palestine) from 31 March 2013 to 5 April 2013 as part of the effort to familiarise itself with the historical and obtaining situation in the Palestinian Territories and the State of Israel.
Believe;
• That having solicited a divergence of views from a broad section of society; both in South Africa, Israel and Palestine and having undertaken a visit to Israel and Palestine, has empowered the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation with deeper insight into the conflict; its causes and consequences.
• That having gained a broader understanding of the conflict and its impact on the population and the region, the Committee is empowered to form and express an opinion and recommend to the House the appropriate course of action.
Further Recalling;
That the liberation struggle in South Africa enjoyed the support of the international community and the Palestinian people in particular as it mirrored their own experiences of subjugation, oppression, exclusion, colonialism and dispossession.
• That the fraternal, relations between the people of South Africa and Palestine are historical and deep, forged in the trenches of our common struggles for freedom and dignity.
• That South Africa has since the democratic-breakthrough in 1994 supported the aspirations of the Palestinian people for the right to self-determination through the creation of a State of their own, living side by side and in peace and security with the State of Israel.
Recognising
That South Africa’s support for the cause of the Palestinian people is a principled position borne out of our own experiences as a people and our vision for the creation of a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world, free from colonial subjugation, injustice and all forms of oppression.
• That the support human rights, freedom, democracy, peace, justice and equality is a historical and constitutional obligation bestowed upon South Africa and future generations.
Further recalling;
• That South Africa has actively lobbied for and supported the Palestinian bid for Statehood at the United Nations General Assembly resulting in Palestine being granted Non-Members status at the United Nations and paving the way for the Palestinian people to deepen and broaden their participation in the United Nations.
Recall and reaffirm;
The 2007 Resolution 1015 No 29 - 2007] FOURTH SESSION, THIRD PARLIAMENT,
• stating our support for a just and fair solution in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions, as the only way to create peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
• all parties to contribute to the creation of an atmosphere of calm by suspending all forms of violent action and signing a comprehensive truce;
• the removal of all further obstacles to peaceful negotiations.
Further Recall and reaffirm;
Former President Nelson Mandela’s Statement at the occasion of the United Nations International day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people when he said;
“The temptation in our situation is to speak in muffled tones about an issue such as the right of the people of Palestine to a state of their own. We can easily be enticed to read reconciliation and fairness as meaning parity between justice on the one hand, and their opposite on the other. Peace and prosperity, peace and prosperity; tranquillity and security are only possible if these are enjoyed by all without discrimination” He went on to say “But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians...”
Believing;
• That the aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be denied any longer
• That the current negotiations must as an outcome resolve the fundamental grievance of the Palestinian people and lay the solid foundations for peace in the Middle-East.
• That settlement construction in the disputed Territories (OPT) is a violation of international law and poses a real threat to the negotiations.
• That a unified ideological position has to be established between Fatah and Hamas that includes the recognition of Israel and the suspension of all activities that erode Israeli confidence in a post-agreement future. This includes incitement to violence and the denial of the Jewish historical and spiritual connection to the land.
Further Recall and Reaffirm
His Excellency President Jacob Zuma’s Statement on 14 February 2013, at the occasion of the State of the Nation address when he said;
South Africa’s internationalism has a strong element of solidarity to it. We stand with the people of Palestine as they strive to turn a new leaf in their struggle for their right to self-determination; hence we supported their bid for statehood.
Urge;
That the International community assist both Israel and Palestine to work towards a solution that ensures a contiguous and economically viable Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders based on those existing on 4 June 1967.
Therefore Resolve:
• To intensify our efforts supporting a just, peaceful and lasting solution, including the strengthening of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state; which will help to bring peace between Palestinians and Israelis and an end to the conflict in to the region.
• To continue to support the efforts by our government to encourage an inclusive peaceful process of a negotiated settlement between the concerned parties.
• To utilise the strong relationship with all Palestinian political factions to lead efforts to establish a unified ideological Palestinian position on Israel so that negotiations are representative and that a viable peace between Israel and Palestine becomes a possibility.
• To support all efforts to engage with all parties in Israel and Palestine to find a just, lasting and peaceful solution resolution towards the settlement of the Palestinian question and peace in the Middle East.
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