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Dirco defends Pandor following backlash over call with Hamas leader

todayNovember 12, 2023 92

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) could not be drawn into whether or not it will respond to the South African Jewish Board of Deputies’ (SAJBD) application for a Promotion of Access to Information Act order against Minister Naledi Pandor.

On Thursday, SAJBD revealed to YNews that it planned to apply for a PAIA to ascertain what exactly was said by Pandor and the leader of Hamas during their phone conversation last month.

After the news of the phone call conversation emerged, the organisation lambasted Pandor for allegedly offering support for Hamas – an accusation the department has strongly refuted.

Dirco Spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says there was nothing sinister in the conversation between Pandor and Yahya Sinwar.

He has also rejected claims that South Africa has taken side in the Middle East conflict following its decision to recall its envoys in Tel Aviv for consultation.

Monyela says South Africa has condemned both Hamas and Israel over the killing of innocent civilians.
More than 10 000 people have so far being killed so far since the war between Israel and Hamas began a little more than a month ago.
The United Nations has lost more than 100 of its employees in the conflict, making it the deadliest conflict ever for the organisation in such a short period of time.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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