Deputy Minister Botes to deliver lecture in Kimberley on Palestine solidarity

THE DEPUTY Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, is expected to deliver a public lecture in Kimberley on Monday evening under the theme “Solidarity with Palestine and Reflections on the Geopolitical Landscape in the Middle East”.

The lecture, taking place at 5pm at Mogul Park Madressa Hall, will explore South Africa’s position on Palestine and broader developments in the Middle East. 

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, His Excellency Hanan Na’eem Ameen Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Africa, is also scheduled to address attendees.

The event comes as tensions escalate in Gaza. On Monday, Reuters reported that Israeli tanks have entered Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for the first time, targeting areas where hostages are believed to be held, according to Israeli sources. 

The incursion comes amid heavy fighting and airstrikes that have killed over 130 Palestinians and injured more than 1,000 in the past 24 hours, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. 

Health officials in Gaza say hunger is spreading rapidly, with hospitals running out of food, fuel and medicine, and some staff surviving on a single meal a day. 

The raid also saw the arrest of the head of Gaza’s field hospitals and the reported killing of a journalist outside a Red Cross medical site. 

The escalation threatens to derail ceasefire talks, as Hamas warns that continued civilian deaths and starvation will impact negotiations.