South Africa’s government has taken a strong stand against Israel in the ongoing war with Hamas, but its silence on the actions of Hamas has left many people disappointed. While the South African leadership claims to be speaking up for human rights, their position looks one-sided and unfair when they refuse to condemn the brutal acts carried out by Hamas.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team have often compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to apartheid. This comparison is not only wrong but also deeply unfair to a country that is trying to defend itself from constant rocket attacks and terror strikes. Israel, like any other nation, has a right to protect its citizens from groups that openly call for its destruction.
What makes South Africa’s position even more troubling is its refusal to speak up against the killing of Christians and innocent civilians by Hamas. There have been reports of mass executions, kidnappings, and attacks on churches and schools in areas under Hamas control. Yet, the South African government remains silent on these crimes. For a country that claims to care about justice and equality, this silence is hard to understand.
South Africa has also ignored the serious abuses happening under Hamas rule — including child marriage, restrictions on women’s education, and the destruction of schools. These are not small issues; they are acts that hurt innocent people, especially women and children. A government that truly values human rights should condemn all forms of violence and oppression, not just the ones that fit a political agenda.
By only blaming Israel and refusing to acknowledge Hamas’s role in the suffering of civilians, South Africa has lost its moral balance. It is one thing to call for peace and the protection of civilians, but it is another thing entirely to take sides with a group known for violence and terror tactics.
Israel, on its part, has every right to defend itself from attacks. But it also carries the responsibility to protect civilian lives while fighting Hamas. The world should continue to urge Israel to limit harm to innocent people in Gaza, but that call should come with a fair and honest view of the situation.
If South Africa truly wants to be a voice for peace, it must condemn all forms of violence — including the terror carried out by Hamas. Justice cannot be selective. Condemning one side while excusing the other only weakens the global fight against terrorism and leaves innocent civilians, both in Israel and Palestine, to suffer the most.
