Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers (GoG) has thrown its weight behind a boycott of Discovery, backing neurologist Dr Aayesha Soni’s decision to cancel her health plan.

In a letter, Soni, a Gift of the Givers volunteer, accused the healthcare provider of being “complicit in the Israeli genocide and ongoing occupation of the Palestinian people”.

Soni cancelled her health plan with Discovery with immediate effect, saying she was appalled at Discovery’s hosting of representatives from Sheba Medical Centre, an Israel hospital with close ties to the Israeli military.

Alerted to Soni’s disdain, Discovery Health chief executive Dr Ron Whelan, said they have engaged with Soni directly.

“Discovery Health confirms that it is aware of Soni's request and has engaged directly with her on this matter. Discovery welcomes and remains committed to open dialogue in this regard,” said Whelan. In her letter announcing her decision, Soni cited UN special rapporteur, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, on the right to health and South African physician, who said “the practice of medicine is under attack”.

The sentiments by Mofokeng were reportedly made in “relation to Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza”.

Referring to the reported killing of “500 healthcare workers in Gaza since October last year, which includes 50 specialist doctors”, Soni said the systematic attacks on hospitals occurred against the backdrop of attacks on hospitals and other medical facilities.

“The trend of attacks on Palestinian healthcare is one which has dictated the 75 year long Israeli occupation. (Dr Yazan) Barhoush and (Joseph J) Amon revealed through evidence-based assessments and reviews (published in the medical journal Global Public Health) that there has been a systematic violation of Palestinians’ right to health in occupied Palestine by Israel, with records as early as 1967. This has resulted in a form of ‘medical apartheid’ where Palestinians continue to encounter major barriers to realising their fundamental right to health.

“It appears that you have foregone your responsibility in the quest for a conference, which I find both disgusting and disturbing. As a South African medical scheme you have the obligation to do better and I have no wish to be a member of a morally bankrupt organisation like yours,” Soni wrote.

In supporting and endorsing Soni’s decision, GoG has called on its members and people of conscience to “follow suit” in a Facebook social media post.

Attempts to get further comments from GoG had not been answered by deadline.

As the world commemorates the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Department of International Relations (Dirco) also reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bonds of “solidarity, friendship and cooperation” with Palestine.

More than a year has passed since Israel’s military response in Gaza to an attack by the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.

It has also been close to one year since South Africa initiated its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) last week issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, citing “reasonable grounds to believe that each has committed the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, as a direct perpetrator, acting jointly with others”.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (Solidarity Day) has been marked annually since 1978 to coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the UN General Assembly Palestine partition resolution of 1947, which decided to partition Palestine into two states. Dirco, the Embassy of the State of Palestine, and the UN in South Africa yon Monday hosted an event to mark the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The event included the unveiling of a memorial plaque honouring the late President Yasser Arafat and a ceremony to bestow a decoration on Dirco minister Ronald Lamola, on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas.

In a statement, Dirco on Monday said: “The question of Palestine remains unresolved after 75 years.

The Palestinian question remains at the core of tensions in the Middle East. In this regard, this occasion provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect and take stock of the plight of the people of Palestine.

“On this day, South Africa once again calls on the State of Israel to realise that the only way to achieve peace is a two-state solution, where Israel will be able to exist side-by-side in peace with a viable and fully independent Palestinian State, within internationally recognised parameters.

South Africa remains resolute in its commitment to continue strengthening the bond of long standing solidarity, friendship, and cooperation with Palestine and calls upon the international community to work tirelessly for the attainment of peace and provide strong humanitarian, economic and political support.”

Cape Times

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