Al-Qalam 
The Media Review Network (MRN) strongly condemns the recent report titled Hiding in Plain Sight: A Playbook for Combating Hamas in South Africa (August 25, 2025), authored by Max Meizlish, Melissa Sacks, and David May.
MRN asserts that the report is a politically motivated attempt to delegitimise South Africa’s sovereign foreign policy and criminalise its principled support for Palestinian liberation.
South Africa’s engagement with all Palestinian actors, including Hamas, reflects its commitment to inclusive dialogue and peace, rooted in its own anti-apartheid legacy. The report’s framing of such an engagement as “terrorist collaboration” is misleading and undermines international diplomatic norms and the UN’s recognition of Palestinian self-determination.
MRN highlights the misuse of the “terrorism” label to silence dissent and impose extraterritorial political pressure. The report ignores Israel’s documented violations of international law, including apartheid practices and collective punishment, while unfairly targeting Palestinian resistance.
The report also defames respected South African civil society organisations such as Gift of the Givers, Al-Quds Foundation, and MRN itself, falsely branding them as “terrorist fronts.” These groups have long histories of humanitarian aid and human rights advocacy. Targeting them violates international humanitarian law and endangers legitimate aid efforts.
Furthermore, the report’s call for U.S. sanctions and FATF grey-listing reveals its intent to punish South Africa for its independent stance, not to combat terrorism. MRN views this as a continuation of apartheid-era tactics used to suppress liberation movements.
MRN reaffirms South Africa’s moral and legal duty to support the Palestinian struggle and rejects all attempts to intimidate or silence voices of solidarity. The organisation remains committed to justice, international law, and human rights.
Dr Ahmed Haroon Jazbhay
Executive Member
Media Review Network
South Africa
