Palestine's neighbours could have done more to help end the war in Gaza - Rasool

CAPE TOWN - Newly appointed US ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, said that Palestine's neighbours could have done more to help end the war in Gaza.

While he acknowledged the role played by countries like Qatar, he said that South Africa had to take a moral stand.

Rasool was addressing Friday prayers at the Gatesville Mosque in Athlone, as he bid farewell to take up his ambassadorship.

"And I say that with enormous pride and with great respect from our brother from Qatar, I don't believe that the neighbours of Palestine have done what they could to help the people of Palestine against genocide."

He also described South Africa as a "moral superpower" after taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"I believe that I go as a representative of a moral superpower in a world that has lost its moral anchors."