Palestine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed and appreciated what it described as “the principled position” of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) objecting to the unilateral decision taken by the African Union (AU) Commission to grant Israel Observer Status. This principled position is in line with the declared positions of several other African States.

“SADC's position is in line with international law and the shared long history of solidarity and struggle against colonialism and oppression between the Palestinian and African peoples. This resolute objection, together with other States' objections, will serve as a stark reminder that colonial occupation, racism, and endemic violations of international law, which continue to shackle Palestine, must not be rewarded or appeased,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

“The State of Palestine expresses its deep gratitude to SADC members for their moral and political leadership and for honoring Africa's legacy against colonialism,” it said, adding that “Palestine calls on all other African States to join SADC in being the standard-bearer in the Palestinian struggle and to lead international efforts to end Israel's colonial occupation and apartheid regime.”

It also called on the African States “to push for accountability for Israel's crimes and not associate themselves with the only remaining and most brutal colonial project in the world today.”

It said "the Palestinian people continue to honor and appreciate the common bond with the peoples of Africa for freedom. Their longstanding and principled support and solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against the illegal settler colonialism and apartheid is a source of hope and strength that the Palestinian people cherish.”