Lamola dismisses claims that SA was aware of October 7 Hamas attack

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has dismissed reports that South Africa knew ahead of the October 7th 2023 Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens and foreign nationals.

The attacks led to Israeli retaliation that has since continued in Gaza with ceasefires being violated.

The minister says no one was informed about the planned Hamas attack.

“I have also seen the letter that was sent to the in coming ambassador with regard to the same matter that we were somehow aware of the 7 October incident. I want to state again categorically that as South African government we were not aware. There was no DIRCO official who was aware of this planned attack on October 7.”

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