DIRCO Denies South African Government Knew About Hamas Attack on Israel, Mzansi Divided by Response
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) denied that the South African government knew what Hamas was planning
- A blog published on The Times of Israel's website claimed the government faced a lawsuit after it was accused of knowingly collaborating with Hamas
- South Africans shared their thoughts online, with many arguing that the government barely knew what was happening in its own country
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has denied that the South African government had any prior knowledge of a plan by Hamas to attack Israel on 7 October 2023.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and over 240 were taken hostage when Hamas militants targeted communities in the south of Israel. In a blog published on The Times of Israel website, local journalist Paula Slier claimed that a lawsuit was being prepared in the United States.
The lawsuit stems from accusations that the South African government knowingly collaborated with Hamas ahead of the attacks, something DIRCO denies.
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How did DIRCO respond to the blog?
The department’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, refuted the claims that the South African government knew what Hamas was planning to do. Phiri also accused Slier of just repeating unverified claims that were initially made by a UK-based consultant, Justin Lewis.
“Slier failed to uphold her ethical duties as a journalist, and had peddled disinformation and a patently false narrative,’ he said.
Slier later published a second blog in which she corrected some of her previous statements, noting that a lawsuit had not been filed, and instead Lewis had submitted recommendations to US lawmakers.
“I’ve seen no verified legal filings, no court dockets, and no official response from the US or South African governments to substantiate these claims,” Slier admitted.
Phiri was unhappy with the second blog, noting that her attempt to later admit to some shortcomings was inadequate, saying it was her responsibility and obligation to apologise and unconditionally withdraw the blog.
Source: Getty Images
What did the original blog claim?
In her blog published on 11 July 2025, she stated that a $400 million lawsuit was being prepared against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
She also stated that the case was built on recommendations by Lewis, adding that new material evidence was uncovered of coordination between South African officials, Hamas, and Iran in the months leading up to the attack.
Slier even noted that Lewis claimed that he warned the South African government of the potential legal risks, but was ignored and also threatened with legal action by a journalist acting on behalf of the State.
The South African government has been vocal about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. In December 2024, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola was set to table a memorandum to cut ties with Israel.
In January 2025, South Africa welcomed a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users shared their thoughts about the claims, with some saying that the government didn’t know what was happening in South Africa, so it couldn’t have known about Israel. Some felt that it was an attempt to discredit the country, while others believed it could be possible.
Jermaine Ruiters said:
“They’re trying to discredit the ICC case brought on by SA by planting false stories through their network of agents. Die koel is deur die kerk, literally, and the American public is starting to wake up to the truth about Israel. So now it’s time to deflect and try and put the spotlight on South Africa.”
Cee Jay asked:
“So, you expect the government to agree even if they knew? It's a no-brainer.”
Given Masilela Ma-give claimed:
Benjamin Netanyahu funded Hamas. And they knew about October seventh to justify the genocide.”
Glenn Nicolaas Swart stated:
“The SA Government has no idea of anything happening worldwide. Bunch of dumb, uneducated, corrupt criminals.”
Xahumba Madyaswakwe asked:
“How can our government have knowledge about such things? They didn't even see the unrest coming.”
George Killian said:
“Of course, a corrupt government will deny it.”
Makgato Karabo Rudy Malatji stated:
“This is serious. Even if it is a witch hunt, the Zionists are long known for destroying things for nothing. I hope we're not a target.”
Charmaine Cremen Labuschagne joked:
“They never have knowledge of much😅.”
Darrol Kriel stated:
“The ANC could not have had prior knowledge of the terrorist attack on Israel because all ANC members are brain dead.”
DIRCO won't bow to pressure to drop ICJ case
Briefly News previously reported that DIRCO said it would not bow to pressure from Donald Trump to drop its case against Israel.
South Africa opened a case against Israel with the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ) over its attacks in Gaza.
DIRCO believes that Trump imposed 30% tariffs upon South Africa because of the case against Israel, one of the USA's allies.
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Source: Briefly News
