US think tank vs. solidarity with Palestine

A WASHINGTON-BASED think tank is calling for the United States to pressure South Africa into punishing organisations and individuals who advocate for Palestinian rights.

- SOZARN BARDAY

In August, the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) urged the US government to impose “diplomatic pressure and targeted sanctions that would restrict the operations of key Hamas supporters in South Africa’ and to lobby the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to keep South Africa on its grey list.

The FDD, a Washington-based Zionist think tank, claims that the ANC, South Africa's liberation movement during apartheid, maintains close ties with what it calls the “terrorist group” Hamas, accusing the party of providing political and diplomatic cover. It further alleges - without evidence - that this relationship allows Hamas “to raise funds and advance its ideology in Africa and beyond,” linking it to “systemic corruption plaguing South Africa.”

Founded in 2001 under the Hebrew name Emet, meaning “truth,” the FDD explicitly aims to “enhance Israel's image in North America and the public's understanding of issues affecting Israeli-Arab relations.” Its mission later expanded to include research on “international terrorism and related issues,” often reinforcing Israeli geopolitical narratives under the guise of counterterrorism.

Within this framework, FDD calls for punitive measures against South African organisations it claims are aligned with Hamas, singling out the ANC and the Media Review Network (MRN), both longtime advocates for Palestinian rights.

The FDD points to a phone call between former Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, reportedly focused on humanitarian aid for Gaza. It also references meetings between Hamas representatives — including Khaled Qaddoumi, Basem Naim, and Emad Saber - and senior ANC officials.