SA condemns assassination of Hamas founder

The South African government has condemned the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas and spiritual leader, in Palestine today. The department of foreign affairs said in a statement that such extra-judicial assassinations were in contravention of international law and relevant UN conventions and only served to strengthen those not committed to achieving peace in the Middle East.

It was generally accepted that Sheikh Yassin was a moderating influence and it was reported that he was seeking to find a political solution to the challenges being experienced by Israelis and Palestinians. Such acts would inevitably lead to retaliation and massive counter-retaliation.

"We therefore call on the Palestinians to maintain restraint and not provide a pretext on which further acts of violence and destruction will be carried out against them. Such acts will further continue to erode any progress being made in the implementation of the roadmap and would eventually lead to the complete cessation of implementation. In addition, the South African government reiterates that the only way to end violence and such extra judicial acts is to end the occupation of Palestinian territories and for both sides to return to unconditional negotiations," the statement said.

"We also call on the United Nations and the international community to act decisively to create the conditions for the two state solution to be realised." - Sapa