PRESS STATEMENT: Update on reports of arrests of South Africans in Israel

Yesterday BDS South Africa brought to attention media reports that three South Africans were arrested by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem (click here).

BDS South Africa has been in touch with both Palestinian and South African officials as well as South African citizens currently in Palestine. 

From information that we have received, there was indeed a storming of the Al Aqsa mosque compound by Israeli settlers and soldiers. However, no South Africans were arrested. Reports indicate that British citizens were arrested (and then deported) by Israeli authorities.

We welcome this update but remain concerned about the continued acts of intimidation and harassment by Israeli settlers and soldiers of Palestinian worshippers - particularly Palestinian Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem. The denial to access religious sites by the Israeli regime is simply unacceptable.

We thank South African and Palestinian officials for their swift investigations and feedback.