South African activist confronts German envoy over Berlin's support for Israel

A confrontation occurred at the 6th International Social Justice Conference in Cape Town when South African activist Zackie Achmat protested the inclusion of German ambassador Andreas Peschke, slamming Germany’s support for Israel.

The conference, organised by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice, aimed to address topics such as social justice and hunger, but tensions rose when Achmat directly accused Peschke and Germany of being major arms suppliers to Israel.

Achmat, a veteran social justice activist known for his support of Palestine, approached the stage before the session, calling out Peschke for Germany’s role in supplying weapons to Israel, which he said was contributing to ongoing human rights violations.

“Sir, have you no shame? You are not welcomed in our midst,” Achmat told the ambassador. He further urged those who support Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran to join him in leaving the venue in protest.

Peschke, in response, emphasised the importance of dialogue over confrontation. “As a diplomat, I firmly believe in dialogue. I don’t think it’s useful to shout at each other. We need to sit down and find joint solutions,” he said.

During a visit to Jordan, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Israeli actions and stressed that the aid would focus on addressing hunger, malnutrition, and health services in Gaza

However while Germany has ramped up approximately $55 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected claims that Germany had halted arms exports to Israel, confirming that more defence goods would be sent soon.

This stance contrasts with French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of an arms embargo on Gaza, which was met with a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Scholz reaffirmed that Germany would still continue to deliver weapons to Israel drawing international criticism.

Achmat’s protest reflects broader discontent within South Africa, where the government has openly expressed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed this stance, stating that South Africa’s backing of Palestine is "irrevocable."

While condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Pretoria has also denounced Hamas’ actions, calling for the release of hostages taken during the conflict.

The conference, hosted by former Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron, aimed to address global issues of social justice, including hunger.

Cameron highlighted the use of hunger as a weapon in conflict zones such as Sudan and Gaza, accusing the Israeli Defense Forces of violating international humanitarian law by exacerbating food insecurity in Gaza.

Cameron's remarks added further gravity to the discussions on human rights violations, aligning with the themes of the conference.

The protest by Achmat underscores the growing frustration among South African activists and citizens with global powers perceived to be complicit in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

South Africa has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions, even filing a case at the International Court of Justice, stating Israel has violated the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The case, joined by several countries including Turkiye, Mexico, and Spain, seeks to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza continues to fuel protests and diplomatic challenges worldwide, with figures like Achmat drawing attention to the role of Western powers in the ongoing conflict.

This is not the first time a Germany Envoy has been confronted over Berlin's support to Israel. Earlier this year German Ambassador to Pakstan Alfred Grannas faced a challenging moment when his speech on civil rights was interrupted by student protesters in Lahore.

The protesters called out Germany for being 'complicit in the ongoing crisis in Gaza,' sparking a heated exchange that led to their removal by conference management.

The ambassador, who was there to discuss civil rights, found himself at the centre of a controversy.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued offensive on Gaza since an October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian group Hamas.

More than a year into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a long-standing crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel has killed at least 42,500 Palestinians and wounded more than 99,500 others in Gaza and is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its military actions.