Entitled ‘Reconstructing Gaza’, the conference is being hosted by the governments of Egypt and Norway, together with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

It is aimed at securing financial pledges and other contributions required for reconstructing the Gaza Strip following 50 days of Israeli bombardment and ground invasion from 8 July to 26 August 2014. This resulted in large-scale human suffering, displacement and unprecedented material destruction that have changed the landscape of the entire Gaza Strip.

South Africa has pledged US$1 million towards humanitarian assistance in Gaza. These funds will be transferred to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

South Africa has recognised the State of Palestine since 1995. South Africa supports international efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders based on those existing on 4 June 1967, prior to the outbreak of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/world/sa-participates-international-conference-palestine