South Africa's Anglican Church has declared Israel to be an apartheid state following its bombing of Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks.

The statement was made during a silent prayer vigil outside the cathedral in Cape Town.

Activists had gathered outside the church to hold a silent prayer vigil in support of the Palestinians.

The Anglican Church of South Africa officially declared Israel an Apartheid state on September 28.

In a statement made after the resolution Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba said: “As people of faith who are distressed by the pain of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza – and who long for security and a just peace for both Palestine and Israel – we can no longer ignore the realities on the ground. We are opposed not to the Jewish people, but to the policies of Israel’s governments, which are becoming ever more extreme.”

Cape Town, South Africa - 11 October 2023: Father Michael Weeder, the Dean of St George’s Cathdedral in Cape Town, declared that South Africa’s Anglican Church had declared Israel to be an Apartheid state. The statement was made during a silent prayer vigil outside the Cathedral in the Cape Town CBD.

Activists had gathered outside the church to hold a silent prayer vigil in support of the Palestinians. Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have come under heavy attack from the Israelis after Hamas militants entered and attacked Israel via sea, land and air on 7 October from the Gaza Strip.

The Anglican Church of South Africa officially declared Israel and Apartheid state on 28 September. In a statement made after the resolution Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba said: “As people of faith who are distressed by the pain of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza – and who long for security and a just peace for both Palestine and Israel – we can no longer ignore the realities on the ground. We are opposed not to the Jewish people, but to the policies of Israel’s governments, which are becoming ever more extreme.”