Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2015-10-19
The visit by Hamas Central Committee to South Africa led by Khalid Mish’al has been described as a huge step for the country.
Hamas’ political and decision making body is visiting South Africa to engage with the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) on the party’s shared vision of self-determination for the Palestinian people and a free, independent and sovereign state of Palestine liberated from Israeli occupation.
Executive member of the Media Review Network (MRN) Iqbal Jassat says the visit by Mish’al is a historic mission over and above the symbolism it carries.
“We believe therefore that it’s a moment that should be cherished and celebrated not only by Muslims in this country but all concerned people concerned about the human rights, the honour and dignity of the Palestinians that have been denied to them for more than a century.”
Secretary General of Jamiatul Ulama South Africa Moulana Ebrahim Bham says the visit by Hamas and Khalid Mish’al has been on the cards for some time.
“There have been some difficulties and certain considerations. The ANC have taken a very strong stance on the Palestinian issue from time in memorial, from their very inception and it has been a principle stand by and large.”
“The ANC has always been associated with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)…and their relationship with Hamas has been on that basis that we recognise the Palestinian Authority because of our past history,” Moulana Bham said.
Naeem Jinnah from the Afro Middle East Centre says the Zionist lobby in South Africa will be hopping mad by Mish’als visit to the country.
“It is clear that the ANC and government worked extremely hard to make sure that this trip was kept secret right until the end. So I think the Zionist lobby will be extremely upset as well as the Israeli embassy. You can bet that today, tomorrow there will be letters of protest.”
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