Ramaphosa meets Perez family after remains released

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the family of Captain Daniel Perez, a South African national who was taken hostage and killed during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Perez, born in Johannesburg, had moved to Israel with his family in 2014. Ramaphosa, through his spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, conveyed his condolences to the Perez family and reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to supporting all South Africans, regardless of race or religion, who find themselves in conflict zones.

The South African government has been actively involved in securing the release of South Africans in various conflict areas, including Syria and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-led Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas, distancing himself from US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, rejecting the 15-point document despite assurances that Israel would not start withdrawing immediately.

The Israeli government remains firm in its stance, with Netanyahu denoting his opposition to the deal, which is viewed unfavorably by his right-wing base and some members of his cabinet.