Action Aid South Africa announces national demonstration calling for permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access and accountability.
Press Release
03 October 2025 - Immediate
Release
Standing Against
Genocide: Solidarity with Palestine
Action Aid South Africa
announces national demonstration calling for permanent ceasefire, unrestricted
humanitarian access and accountability.
Johannesburg,
South Africa – Action Aid
South Africa (AASA), will lead a peaceful public demonstration in solidarity
with the people of Palestine on Friday, 10 October 2025, from 10:00 -13:00,
from George Lea Park, Sandton, to the US Consulate in Sandton.
The demonstration takes place
against the backdrop of an escalating humanitarian crises, persistent
violations of international law, and global calls for justice, underscoring the
urgent need for civil society, faith-based organizations, human rights
defenders, and all people of conscience to act.
Since October 2023, Gaza has
endured unprecedented military violations and a deepening humanitarian
catastrophe. To date, an estimated 59,220 Palestinians have been killed, the
majority women and children, as civilian infrastructure—hospitals, schools, churches,
and mosques—has been repeatedly targeted and destroyed.
“We
have been watching a live-streamed genocide for nearly two years. International
humanitarian agencies have been blocked from delivering aid, people are
starving, hospitals are struggling to function, pregnant women can’t give birth
safely, tens of thousands of children have been killed,” said Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director of
ActionAid Palestine.
ActionAid and partners have
reached more than 457,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank with essential
services, including food and shelter support, access to WASH facilities,
multipurpose cash assistance, and the creation of safe spaces—despite extraordinary
barriers on the ground.
The public demonstration
brings together civil society, faith leaders, artists, and students in a
peaceful show of solidarity. Participants will call for a permanent ceasefire,
secure unrestricted humanitarian access, and spotlight South Africa’s case at
the International Court of Justice as part of a broader demand for global
accountability for atrocity crimes.
Call to Action
Our message is clear: stop the
genocide. We invite all people of conscience to stand with the people of Gaza
and to call for an end to the suffering and a future rooted in justice and
peace for all.
ENDS
********************
Notes to editors:
Peaceful assembly and
adherence to marshal instructions are required.
Participants are encouraged to
use the following hashtags: #CeasefireNow #StandWithPalestine #LetAidIn
#ActionAidSA
For media enquiries reach out
to Mathapelo.Makhubu@actionaid.org
About ActionAid
South Africa
Guided by feminist analysis
and a human rights-based approach, ActionAid South Africa works with youth,
grassroots communities, partner organisations, and social movements to
challenge systemic poverty, injustice, and inequality. As part of a global federation
active in 45 countries, ActionAid stands with communities resisting oppression
and demanding dignity.