INTRODUCTION

Today marks a total 119 days since Israel launched a military attack on Palestine in response to a surprise attack Palestine Military group Hamas made on southern Israel. The war that started on 7^th October 2023 has so far led to over 22000 deaths and over 57000 injuries including women and children in the Gaza strip, marking a very significant escalation ever since the Yom Kippur War in the region 50 years ago. The forth to forth border war has led to humanitarian crisis, so bad that some would refer to a genocide committed by the Israeli.

The October 7^th events attracted different responses from different states, there was a clear divide, the pro-israel, pro-palestine and a few who chose to be neutral.

Pro-Israel States

Kenyan President William Ruto and Israel prime minister Netanyahu.

Kenyan president Dr. William Ruto quickly issued a statement on X [former twitter] in solidarity with Israel, “Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country,” a statement that did not seat well with its Muslim population with many questioning his pan Africanism stand for choosing to stand with the aggressor. Kenya, a Christian dominated country has enjoyed warm realtions with Israel over years as a result of a strong bond with the west, it has positioned itself as the capitalist’s soft spot in Africa. Many Christians have interprated the Biblical teachings of Israel in relation to the mordern day Israel and view the conflicts as a fulfillment of prophesies hence the solidarity behind their faith father Israel. Morocco, in respect with the peace agreement with Israel on December 2020 have also chosen to improve their relationship with their new friends.  Zambia, Ghana and DRC Congo have also declared their support for Israel.

Pro-Palestine States

South Africa, in a dramatic and a surprise response has come out as a sharp critic of Israel. Its parliament going ahead to vote in favor of diplomatic ties cut with TEL AVIV, not stopping at that, South Africa has accused Israel of Genocide and filled a case at the ICC against Israel. Africa National Congress [ANC] have deep ties with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), dating back to its founding leader and South Africa’s first post-apartheid president, Nelson Mandela. The ANC aligned itself with the PLO and other revolutionary causes while Mandela was in prison; after his release, Mandela was a vocal supporter of the PLO and its leader Yasser Arafat, saying in 1990 that “we identify with the PLO because, just like ourselves, they are fighting for the right of self-determination.” Despite having no common racial or religion identities, the black man treatment under apartheid government are identical to Israelis frequent invasion and occupation of Palestine land.

S.Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa with PLO delegation.

Algeria has a strong historical and emotional relation with Palestine stretching back to 1988 on 15 November when leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) led by Yasser Arafat met in Algiers to announce the declaration of independence. Their relations has blossomed over the years even as their rivals morocco seek peace with Israel. Their common religion and similar historical occurances under France solidifies their bond. Thousands of Algerians have also matched in their thousands in the streets of Algiers in solidarity with Palestine.

The late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at Algiers, Algeria. 15th Nov. 1988.

Tunisia and Sudan have also expressed their support for Palestine and called upon Israel to own their responsibilities.

Neutral states.

However, Rwanda which had earlier appeared to support Israel, has called for a ciece fire and sent humanitarian support to Gaza. African father, president Museveni has also played an elder brother role and called for a two state resolution to the conflict. Tanzania and Nigeria has maintained a neutral status all through.

Conclusion.

Israel has enjoyed a relatively warm relation with Africa thanks to its prowess in agriculture and security industry. Save for 1973 war that it suffered its major diplomatic blow when close to 20 African states cut its ties in solidarity with African brother Egypt. In 2021, an attempt Africa Israel summit was scheduled but later called off due to political unrest in host nation Togo. However, Prime minister Netanyahu has promised an “ISRAEL COME TO AFRICA, AFRICA COME TO ISRAEL” moment soon.

It is crystal clear that Israel to date continues to commit atrocities against humanity in Gaza, as South African foreign minister calls it, a genocide. However, African states, especially developing nations, risk serious economic and diplomatic repercussions depending on which side they support. The West has always bullied and forced its ideologies, principles, and stances on its perceived ‘inferior’ allies by threatening serious sanctions if they go against them. On the other hand, African nations risk losing their friends from the East, such as Russia and China, with whom they have tried to develop alternative relationships in recent times. This leaves them in a difficult position, as staying nonpartisan to such inhumane acts is not an option. As the prominent Lutheran German pastor Martin Niemöller said, ‘First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.’ And truly in today’s world of frequent twists and turns, you want some dogs barking alongside your cries for help when needed.

What should be a Christian’s response?
Christians must disregard the biased and misleading teachings that try to link the “historical” biblical reference of ancient Israel to the “modern” day Israel to justify and sanitize the genocide acts of Israel and stand with the human race. Ancient Israel and modern day Israel have no connection whatsoever.

Africa must find a common ground, resist in one voice the threats that come along with the cost of independence, and as a people that has suffered immensely from degredation, invasion and oppression against own will, stand with the innocent women and children of Palestine for in war there are no winners, just casualties.