Press release issued by Hamas: 

The Islamic Resistance Movement” Hamas” hails the plans of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa to downgrade the level of diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Party Policy Conference delivered a recommendation in this regard to the 54^th General Conference which will be held  in mid-December. If the General Conference adopts this recommendation, it will reflect on the policy of the state and the party. 

We, in Hamas, urge the leaders and the members of ANC to adopt this recommendation as an expression of their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Such a step would come logically and naturally as ANC has long been known for its historical struggle and  continuous  support of  the Palestinian people and their rights against the racist policies implemented  by the Israeli Occupation against our people, land and holy places.

The peoples of the world, including the Palestinians, supported  the South Africa people  during the Apartheid era , and today the Palestinian people need the same solidarity to bring down the second State of Apartheid  “Israel”.  

We affirm that downgrading or cutting the diplomatic relations with Israel sends a very supportive message to the boycott movements and masses all over the world. It also proves that South Africa still pursues the path of its leader, Nelson Mandela who said that South Africa will not be fully liberated unless Palestine is liberated.  

 The Islamic Resistance Movement “ Hamas”

6^th of December, 2017