Hundreds March in Cape Town for Gaza on War Anniversary

CAPE TOWN: On Saturday, hundreds of people took to the streets of central Cape Town to show their support for Gaza, marking the first anniversary of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This rally was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and participants waved Palestinian flags while chanting slogans against Israel.

The marchers carried placards with strong messages, accusing Israel of committing genocide and racism. Many wore the keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of the Palestinian struggle. As they walked towards the parliament, chants echoed through the streets, with phrases like “Israel is a racist state” and “We are all Palestinian” resonating among the crowd. Some participants held signs that read “We are all Hamas” and “Zionism is racism,” reflecting their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Among the marchers, there were those who expressed their support for South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice. This case alleges that the Israeli military operations in Gaza, which were initiated in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas, amount to “genocide.” Linelle Arendse, a participant in the rally, shared her feelings with the News24 channel, stating, “I am appalled at Israel and the genocide and the attack on innocent people, children... and now moving on into Lebanon.”

Many South Africans draw parallels between Israel's treatment of Palestinians and the apartheid system that once existed in South Africa. Shafiek Barnes, another participant, expressed his empathy, saying, “I have been through the apartheid struggle so I know the pain of the Palestinians and Lebanese. I am here because I am Muslim and I feel the pain that they are going through.”

The organizers of the march presented a memorandum to the parliament, urging the government to implement the UN’s 1973 Apartheid Convention. This convention declares apartheid systems as a crime and allows for actions such as boycotts against them. Notably, the South African government signed this convention in May 2024.

In addition to the Cape Town rally, pro-Gaza marches were also scheduled in Johannesburg, Durban, and various cities around the world, all in remembrance of the October 7 attack. These events highlight the ongoing global concern regarding the situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the world watches these developments, it is essential to understand the complexities of the situation. The voices raised in Cape Town are not just about one conflict; they reflect a broader struggle for justice and human rights. The sentiments expressed during the march remind us that the quest for peace and equality is a universal aspiration, transcending borders and cultures.