South Africa welcomes Hamas response to US deal and urges Israel to reciprocate

The South African government has welcomed Hamas' decision to release all Israeli captives under the terms of Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, urging Israel to reciprocate by releasing Palestinian political prisoners and children.

"We welcome the decision by Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and its stated readiness for further engagement. This decision must be met with reciprocal action by the State of Israel", South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

In 2023, South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.