Speech on UN Membership for Palestine & South Africa's Support

Introduction

• Speaker urges audience to write to their foreign ministers about their stance on Palestine's resolution for UN membership.
• Emphasis on activism: Importance of action over passive support.

Current Situation in Palestine

• Over 35,000 deaths attributed to ongoing conflict.
• Suggestion: Form a human wall of protection for Palestinian civilians.
• Peace is unachievable without Palestinian freedom.

Role of United Nations

• UN General Assembly and Security Council must consider evidence from Human Rights organizations and South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• Need to hold Israel accountable for crimes against Palestinians.
• Israeli laws exhibit apartheid practices.

Historical Context

• Reference to Nakba Day (May 15), marking the beginning of the Palestinian struggle for independence and rights denial since 1948.
• Comparison of Israeli actions to South Africa under apartheid.

Israel's Policies and Legislation

• Israeli government aims to maintain dominance and Jewish demographic majority through various policies and laws.
• Settlements in areas like the Galilee, Negev, Golan Heights, Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.
• Full de jure annexation of occupied territories.

International and African Union Support

• South Africa and Palestine launched a strategic dialogue to garner African support for Palestine.
• Thank Namibia and Algeria for support in removing Israel as an observer member of the African Union.
• Support for a two-state solution and the right to self-determination.

Legal and Human Rights Advocacy

• Call for re-establishing the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid.
• Urge ICC to expedite investigation into crimes by Israel in Palestinian territories including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
• South Africa's commitment to ending impunity for such crimes.
• Support for advisory opinions from ICJ on the legality of Israel's actions.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on international efforts for a just solution for Palestine, contributing to regional peace.
• Call for equality and equity for all residents of Israel and Palestine.
• South African government to continue advocacy in global institutions.
• Tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy and commitment to Palestinian freedom.
• Gratitude from Palestinian representative for South Africa's support.

Call to Action

• Encourage comments and discussion on the speech's impact.
• Promote channel subscriptions and engagement for continued coverage of African geopolitics and support for Palestine.