South Africa takes call with Hamas leader over aid

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 

South Africa’s foreign affairs minister has spoken to Hamas’s leader in order to “discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine”, her office said.

After militant group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel last weekend, the Israeli army has laid siege to Gaza, the densely populated Palestinian area where Hamas is based.

Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor on Tuesday confirmed she had a call with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, on behalf of the South African government.

Hamas, rather than South Africa, had initiated the talks, the office said.

“During the call, and in line with the government’s position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives both Palestinians and Israelis,” the statement said.

“Minister Pandor and the Hamas leader discussed how to get the necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories.”

The minister’s office denied reports by a local media house that stated she expressed support for the Hamas attack on Israel.

South Africa is one of the few countries to publicly confirm it has had talks with Hamas since the war began last weekend.