Helen Zille’s sidestep draws sharp criticism amid Joburg mayoral bid

DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has drawn sharp criticism after sidestepping questions about Israel's atrocities in Gaza, where widespread destruction and mass civilian deaths have led many international observers and rights groups to label the assault as genocide.

- XOLILE MTEMBU

HELEN Zille is accused of ignoring genocide in Gaza ahead of Joburg mayoral bid. | Supplied

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, the 74-year-old was pressed on her position regarding the escalating crisis but avoided taking a clear stand on whether Israel's actions amount to genocide.

“Genocide is a very big word and I haven't been to Gaza, and I don't know,” she told the broadcaster.

“But I certainly know that Hamas has spent all its energy to obliterate the state of Israel.”

Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said her remarks are consistent with the DA’ position of siding with Israel over Palestine. “Just because the DA is in a GNU with a major party that is pro-Palestine some thought Helen Zille would abandon her initial stance,” he said.