NFP CONDEMNS COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT BY APARTHEID ISRAEL AND CALLS FOR TRADE BOYCOTT

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 October 2023
The National Freedom Party (NFP) unequivocally condemns the mass slaughter of the people
of Gaza, the inhumane cutting off of basic necessities like water and electricity, and the unjust
use of collective punishment by the Apartheid State of Israel. All of this occurs with the approval
of Western Governments, giving the Apartheid State the license to commit genocide before our
eyes.

“What is taking place is being conveniently framed as a ‘holy war’, between the “good” Jews and
the “bad” Muslims. This misnomer is being used as a mechanism to solidify support for what is
shaping up to be a genocide of the people of Gaza. What is conveniently left out of the
conversation, is the Palestinian Christians who face the same bombardment, oppression and
stealing of land as their Muslim counterparts,” stated NFP Leader in Parliament, Ahmed Munzoor
Shaik Emam.

Palestine, throughout its history, has been home to diverse religious groups, and as the NFP we
encourage all peace-loving individuals of all races and religions to conscientise themselves to
the plight of Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians, who are facing mass extermination –
either through mass killing or forced removals – at the hands of the Apartheid State of Israel.

“Political Zionism, a movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, gained
momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly with the fall of the Ottoman
Empire. However, its culmination transpired in 1948, following the aftermath of World War II and
the horrors of the Holocaust, when Western Nations did not want to accept any more Jews. This
notion, that the current State of Israel has any link to the biblical Israel, is a distortion of history,”
added Shaik Emam.

Furthermore, the NFP condemns the use of Collective Punishment, by the Apartheid State of
Israel, which is a blatant violation of international law. The prohibition of collective punishment
is deeply rooted in humanitarian principles, as enshrined in Common Article 33 of the Geneva
Conventions and Additional Protocol II. These legal instruments explicitly state that no individual
shall be subjected to punishment for acts they did not commit, underscoring the fundamental
guarantee that collective punishment is forbidden.

“By imposing collective punishment on the entire population of Gaza, the Apartheid State of
Israel is not only violating international law but also carrying out mass murder which many
analysts have cited as being tantamount to Genocide,” added Shaik Emam.

The NFP believes that these punitive measures are not only morally reprehensible but also
contribute to a cycle of violence and instability. We call on the international community to
unequivocally condemn these actions, hold Israel accountable, and work towards a just and
lasting solution where Palestinians live free from Occupation.

The NFP extends its gratitude to the South African Government, particularly Minister of
International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, for taking a principled stance in
solidarity with Palestine.

“As a country that has known Apartheid and Oppression, we have the moral obligation to show
our solidarity. Not only in words but through substantive action,” said Shaik Emam

In light of Apartheid Israel’s contravention of international law, and the unjust and inhumane
bombardment of the people of Gaza, the NFP calls on the South African government to:

• Flag money transfers from South African Zionists to Israel as terrorist funding, as it is
currently funding a war that is in contravention of international law
• Revoking the citizenship of South Africans who have dual citizenship and are currently
serving in the IDF, which is directly involved in the killing of Palestinian civilians
• A full trade boycott of the Apartheid State of Israel.
The NFP reiterates its unequivocal support for the Palestinian people and calls for an end to the
illegal occupation.

ISSUED BY:

THE NATIONAL FREEDOM PARTY (NFP) PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS
Leader of the NFP in Parliament
Hon. Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Emam
mshaik-emam@parliament.gov.za
+27 81 439 4700
National Freedom Party (NFP) Parliamentary Caucus
Office Admin: kvanjaarsveld@parliament.gov.za
Office no: +27 21 40