EFF statement on Israeli police attack on worshippers at Al-Aqsa mosque

5 April 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses its continued condemnation for Apartheid State of Israel. Early Wednesday morning, the 5th April 2023, Israeli police forcefully entered Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan prayers. Al-Aqsa mosque is one of Islam's holiest sites.

The Israeli police stormed the mosque using grenades and rubber bullets breaking windows and doors to gain access. The Israeli police injured worshippers with batons and rubber bullets. Since the beginning of 2023, more than eighty (80) Palestinians have been slaughtered by the Israeli Government and thousands more displaced.

The Apartheid State of Israel relentlessly flaunts its gross human rights violations against Palestinians with impunity. We call on all Governments, particularly African to immediately suspend all trade with the Apartheid State of Israel. It has been ten years since the EFF has called for the South African Government to shut-down the Israeli Embassy. It is simply diplomatic cowardice displayed by the ANC Government to only recall the South African Ambassador to Israel.

Further, Palestinians must be supported to fight back against the vileness and land thievery of the Israeli Government. They must exercise their right to defend their place of worship from those Jewish groups that have called for the slaughtering of goats at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound as part of the Jewish Passover. Palestinians must be well equipped to meet fire with fire.

Russia, as it commences term as the President of United Nations Security Council, must prioritise processing the isolation of the Apartheid State of Israel. It is hypocritical that there are Governments displaying its misplaced Ukrainians solidarity yet silent on Palestinians, who for decades have been under abominable oppression of Israel.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 6 April 2023