Al-Qalam 
[Source - IOL news]
The delegation called for the immediate cessation of the genocide in Gaza and for the arrest of Netanyahu and his ‘criminal war cabinet’, writes Ismail Suder.
The 5th Global Convention for Solidarity with Palestine, which was attended by delegates from 72 countries – including the leadership of Hamas – got off to a tense start when police prevented them from entering the precincts of the Union Buildings where the statue of Nelson Mandela is located.
It was only after the leadership of the ANC intervened that the delegates were allowed to proceed towards the statue to pay tribute…
In a media statement, Nkosi ZM Mandela, MP, said when delegates were being ushered towards the public space of the Union Building to pay their respects at Mandela’s statue on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his passing, the SAPS prevented them from doing so.
Delegates representing the Palestinian Resistance including leadership of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, Fatah, Ansarullah and global leaders of the Palestinian Solidarity Network from all continents were in attendance.
“The organizers of the 5th Global Convention for Solidarity with Palestine and the local organising committee pre-arranged with the Presidency, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation and officials of the JOC of the Union Buildings for the delegation to pay their respects at the statue of the President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his passing.
“Unfortunately, the delegation was prevented by SAPS from entering the precinct and waited nearly three hours before ANC Deputy Secretary General of the ANC Cde Nomvula Mokhonyane intervened along with Minister Lindiwe Zulu who came to receive the delegation led by Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela.
“The delegation unveiled the Palestinian flag, and three wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue of Madiba; a wreath from the Royal House of Mandela, a wreath from Palestinian leadership and people of Palestine, and a wreath from the delegates of the Convention.
Minister Zulu received the declaration of the 5th Global Convention for Solidarity with Palestine, and the religious leaders of Islam, Judaism and Christianity offered prayers at the statue.
“The Palestinian leaders sent a message of support to the government and people of South Africa on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the passing of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. They reiterated their appreciation of the principled position of Madiba and the government of South Africa and their support for the Palestinian struggle and Madiba’s commitment to the Palestinian struggle and the struggle against global imperialism.
“The delegation called for the immediate cessation of the genocide in Gaza and for the arrest of Netanyahu and his criminal war cabinet. We stand for a free Palestine in which Muslims, Jews and Christians can live in peace and with full dignity and human rights for all,” Mandela said.
The 5th Global Convention for Solidarity with Palestine called for the same conditions for peace that Madiba called for whilst in incarceration viz. the Right of Return for all Palestinians living in the diaspora, the unbanning of all political formations and the release of all political prisoners.
Mandela said the 5th Global Convention for Solidarity with Palestine was an overwhelming success and was attended by 150 delegates from 72 countries and from all continents. The Convention was also attended by representatives from all over the country including organizations from the Palestinian Solidarity Network, political, faith-leaders and representatives of civil society.
