Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar, urges diplomatic approach to South Africa-Israel crisis

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has called for diplomatic solutions to the crisis between South Africa and Israel.

He made this call in an interview with Arise TV on the sidelines of the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday.

The conflict between South Africa and Israel escalated after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, launched an attack on October 7. Since then, Israel has been bombing Gaza, killing nearly 25,000 civilians and sparking international outrage.

Some countries have denounced Israel for its disproportionate use of force, while others have defended its right to self-defense against terrorism.

South Africa, a former apartheid state, took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) two weeks ago. It accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, especially by its actions within the territory.

Israel denied the charges, claiming that South Africa was collaborating with terrorists to destroy the Jewish state.

Several countries have backed South Africa’s lawsuit at the ICJ, such as Brazil, Turkey, the Arab League, Pakistan, the Maldives, Namibia, and Bolivia.

However, the United States and the United Kingdom have opposed the move.

Nigeria has remained neutral, calling on both parties to show restraint and safeguard civilians.

Tuggar said to Arise TV, “Diplomacy is not being allowed to play the role that it should.”

He also said that social media has a significant impact on shaping narratives in this new era, and that is why diplomats need to resume their roles.

The minister further said that governments should let diplomats lead the dialogue to prevent conflicts.