Former British MP and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, George Galloway, and journalist Yvonne Ridley, have arrived in Cape Town as part of their Power Tour. The tour aims to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and broader human rights issues. This visit comes at a significant moment, with South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice placing the country at the center of the global debate.
Galloway emphasized that the plight of Palestinians is not just their own, but a concern for everyone witnessing the genocide. He stated that colonialism has not died, but has taken a different form, with Israel seeking to eliminate Palestinians from their land. Galloway, who has been living in exile with his wife after being detained and questioned by counter-terrorism police at London Gatwick Airport, highlighted the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.
Galloway drew parallels between the apartheid era in South Africa and the current situation in Palestine. He noted that during apartheid, the regime needed Black people for their workforce and customer base, whereas Israel seeks to eliminate Palestinians from their land. Galloway described the situation as genocide, driven by the intention to make Palestinians disappear.
The issue of antisemitism was also addressed by Galloway, who argued that it is a real concern that should not be used loosely. He emphasized that he could never be antisemitic, given his history of working with Jewish activists during his time in Cape Town while undercover for the ANC. Galloway urged people to speak out against injustice and not be silenced by accusations of antisemitism.
Yvonne Ridley shared her experience of being detained by Israeli forces while visiting a girls' school in Palestine. She described how the Israeli soldiers confiscated her hearing aid and removed its batteries. Ridley expressed concern about the media's failure to report accurately on the genocide, citing the BBC's one-sided reporting as "disappointing."
Ridley and Galloway also discussed the issue of Zionism, with Galloway describing it as a "sickness of ideology." Galloway criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that his extremist views are driven by a belief in a supreme people. The pair also urged South Africans to take action, including halting the export of coal to Israel.
Despite the dire situation, Galloway and Ridley expressed hope and admiration for the resilience of Palestinians. Galloway noted that Palestinians continue to marry, have children, and maintain their identity, even in exile. He emphasized that history will judge harshly those who remain silent on the genocide, and that attitudes around the world are changing in favor of the Palestinian cause.
