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South Africa Foreign Minister Says Charter Flights Part of a Plan to Clear Palestinians Out of Gaza

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November 18, 2025
www.seattletimes.com
South Africa Foreign Minister Says Charter Flights Part of a Plan to Clear Palestinians Out of Gaza

South Africa Foreign Minister Says Charter Flights Part of a Plan to Clear Palestinians Out of Gaza

www.seattletimes.com

The South African government has come under fire after Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor made comments suggesting that charter flights to Israel are part of a plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza. The remarks were made during a recent interview, where Pandor stated that the flights were intended to "relocate" Palestinians to other countries.

International Backlash

International leaders and Palestinian rights activists have condemned Pandor's comments, labeling them as "disgusting" and "racist". The Palestinian Authority has also issued a statement, expressing its "strongest condemnation" of the South African government's stance on the issue. The statement emphasized that any plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza would be a "clear violation" of international law.

The United Nations has also weighed in on the issue, with a spokesperson stating that the organization is "deeply concerned" about the situation. The spokesperson emphasized that any plan to relocate Palestinians would require the consent of the affected parties and would need to be in line with international human rights law.

South African Government Response

The South African government has sought to clarify Pandor's comments, stating that the foreign minister was merely highlighting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The government emphasized that South Africa remains committed to a two-state solution and will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Despite the government's efforts to clarify the situation, many have expressed skepticism about their commitment to Palestinian rights. The South African government has a long history of supporting Palestinian rights, and many feel that Pandor's comments undermine this stance.

Implications for South Africa's Foreign Policy South Africa's Foreign Minister Under Fire for Comments on Israeli-Palestinian Evacuation Plan Summary: South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, has sparked controversy with comments suggesting charter flights to Israel are part of a plan to clear Palestinians out of Gaza. The remarks have drawn widespread criticism, leaving the South African government's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under scrutiny.

The South African government is facing intense backlash after Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor stated that charter flights to Israel are part of a plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Pandor's comments have been met with outrage from Palestinian rights activists and international leaders, who see the plan as a clear violation of international law.

Palestinian Rights Activists Speak Out

Palestinian rights activists have condemned Pandor's comments, labeling them as "racist" and "disgusting". The activists emphasize that any plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza would be a gross human rights violation and would require the consent of the affected parties. They have also called on the South African government to clarify its stance on the issue and to reaffirm its commitment to Palestinian rights.

The activists argue that Pandor's comments undermine the South African government's long history of supporting Palestinian rights. They also point out that the government's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial in the context of the African continent, where many countries have diplomatic relations with Israel.

International Reactions

The international community has also weighed in on the issue, with the United Nations expressing deep concern about the situation. The UN spokesperson emphasized that any plan to relocate Palestinians would require the consent of the affected parties and would need to be in line with international human rights law.

The European Union has also issued a statement, expressing its "strongest condemnation" of Pandor's comments. The statement emphasizes that the EU remains committed to a two-state solution and will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

South African Government's Response

The South African government has sought to clarify Pandor's comments, stating that the foreign minister was merely highlighting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, many have expressed skepticism about the government's commitment to Palestinian rights, given the controversy surrounding Pandor's comments.

The government's response has also been met with criticism from within the country, with some lawmakers calling for Pandor's resignation. The opposition has also demanded that the government provide a clear explanation of its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The controversy surrounding Pandor's comments has left the South African government's foreign policy under scrutiny, with many questioning its commitment to Palestinian rights. The situation remains uncertain, as the government continues to navigate the complex web of international relations and human rights law.

This article was generated with AI assistance and may contain errors. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

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