
Johannesburg – The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) acknowledges the “significant seriousness and ethical challenges” posed by the recently established ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“Endorsed by Israel’s cabinet and security agencies – including the IDF, Mossad, and Shabak – this pact underscores Israel’s extraordinary commitment to bringing its citizens back home,” remarked Rolene Marks, spokesperson for the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF).
“However, it remains a tough compromise, exemplifying both Israel’s resilience and its profound moral principles when confronted with unimaginable evil.”
“Israel’s steadfast efforts to liberate 33 hostages during the first phase of this agreement – which includes children, women, elderly men over 50, female soldiers, and the sick and wounded (with over 20 thought to be alive) resonate with the Jewish belief that life is of utmost value.”
Nonetheless, Marks highlighted that the fate of the 65 hostages still held captive – victims of Hamas’s brutal assaults and ongoing inhumanity – casts a shadow over this moment of optimism.
“Their continuous suffering at the hands of terrorists who exhibited no humanity during the violent attacks on October 7th presents an unbearable ethical dilemma that Israel cannot and will not endure,” remarked Marks.
“This agreement represents one of the most painful choices Israel has faced in recent history.”
“Yet, it showcases the strength of Israeli society – united in its resolve to bring our people home, regardless of the cost.”
“While the return of our loved ones brings immense relief, the awareness that many remain under the oppression of these murderous terrorists weighs heavily on every Israeli heart. Israel stands united in declaring: it will not rest until every last captive is brought home.”
Marks emphasized that, following the highest principle in Jewish tradition – the sanctity of human life – this decision echoes the ancient saying: “Whoever saves a life, saves an entire world” (Sanhedrin 37a).
Ironically, over 45,000 Palestinians – mainly women and children – have lost their lives in retaliatory actions undertaken by the Israeli Defence Force, with double that number injured in the relentless bombings.
South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in cases presented before the International Court of Justice.
After 15 months of devastation, Israel’s campaign against Gaza is expected to conclude on Sunday, (19 January 2025).
The ceasefire will occur in three stages.
Phase 1 lasts six weeks: Israeli bombardments will end, and Israeli occupation forces will withdraw from the main towns and urban areas.
Thirty Israeli hostages will be freed, while 93 Palestinian prisoners/hostages will be returned home.
The following two phases will extend the ceasefire and ensure the complete withdrawal of all Israeli occupation forces from Gaza – initiating the area’s reconstruction.
Just hours after Hamas and Israel declared that they had reached a ceasefire agreement, Aljazeera reported that Israeli forces killed at least 82 individuals in Gaza.
The death toll – beginning from dawn on Wednesday, (15 January 2025) – is expected to rise as displaced Palestinians return to their tents after briefly celebrating the announced ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Nonetheless, a SAZF statement issued on Friday, (17 January 2025), asserted that there can be no moral equivalence between innocent hostages and terrorists.
“The release of Palestinian terrorists, convicted of appalling acts against innocent Israeli civilians, is a challenging concession to accept,” Marks noted.
“There is no moral equivalence between innocent hostages – taken from their homes, schools, and streets simply for being Jewish – and terrorists who intentionally targeted men, women, and children with cruel intent.
“Israel’s willingness to make such painful compromises illustrates not weakness, but the remarkable strength of a society that remains united in protecting its own.
“However, let it be clear – this is a temporary measure. Hamas’s heinous actions on October 7th and their continuing retention of innocent hostages reveal their true nature as a terrorist organization devoid of compassion.
“Israel will continue to defend its citizens with unyielding determination.”