At least ten South African lawmakers were part of a group that recently traveled to West Jerusalem on a "fact-finding" mission

The ANC has demanded an urgent parliamentary probe into what it calls a "shameful" visit to Israel by MPs from the DA, PA, and ACDP - slamming the trip as a disgraceful and a constitutionally reckless act that defies South Africa's official stance on the conflict.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, ANC MP Fasiha Hassan delivered a scathing rebuke of the delegation, describing the trip as "irresponsible" and "a betrayal of South Africa's constitutional values and its historic solidarity with the Palestinian people."

In a moment of fierce condemnation, Hassan declared, "shame on you," to the MPs involved.

The visit occurred amid the ongoing war on Gaza, which has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of millions.

"What 'facts' were these MPs looking for?" Hassan questioned, "when the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is well-documented and undeniable."

Hassan likened the delegation's actions to the apartheid-era propaganda tactics, recalling how the National Party once orchestrated similar international visits to sanitise racial oppression and white minority rule.

"This trip echoes the shameful tactics of the apartheid past," she said.

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The incident has provoked additional outrage given its timing: South Africa is currently leading a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ruled that a plausible case of genocide exists.

Hassan alleged that the visiting MPs were attempting to justify crimes against humanity. She stated this was not a mission for truth - it was an endorsement of brutality under the guise of diplomacy.

At least ten MPs were part of the visit, facilitated by the South African Friends of Israel. The itinerary included a high-profile meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The DA sent several senior figures, including its spokesperson on international relations, Emma Powell; justice spokesperson, Glynnis Breytenbach; and chairperson of the Social Development Committee, Bridget Masango.

The PA was represented by Ashley Sauls and Milicent Mathopa, while the ACDP's delegation included Chief Whip Steve Swart and former MP Marie Sukers.

The ANC and other critics have emphasised that the trip was not authorised by Parliament or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp had told IOL previously that "the trip was arranged and attended by individuals in their private capacity and not through the party".

The PA defended their MPs, stating that their policies and political positions were known when they entered the GNU.

The party added that the trip was not a secret.

First published by IOL