Cape Town — Support for Hamas and Hezbollah is stronger after more than 30 days of war and more than 1000 Lebanese deaths, says Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad.

Introducing a debate on the Middle East in Parliament yesterday, Pahad said that at the heart of the problem was the Palestine-Israel conflict and the refusal of many countries to recognise the democratic choice of Palestinian people -- as Hamas was seen as a terrorist group.

The debate was based on an African National Congress (ANC) motion effectively condemning Israel for disproportionate military action. It frequently descended into a slanging match between ANC and opposition politicians. Pahad said SA remained committed to a two-states solution with both Palestine and Israel behind secure borders -- but, sadly, the road map that was to have achieved this had collapsed.

Israeli military action had practically collapsed the Palestinian Authority. Coupled with the massive destruction of infrastructure, this would lead only to greater extremism in Palestine.

In Lebanon, the disproportionate use of force had increased support for Hezbollah.

"Many are surprised the streets of Arab countries had not ignited," Pahad said.

Democratic Alliance chief whip Douglas Gibson said SA had little influence in the Middle East, and yet it protested loudly. But in Zimbabwe, where it could make a difference, it remained silent. "The world was shocked at the loss of life in the 34 days of the war, with 1110 killed.

"In those 34 days 1750 people were murdered in SA at a rate of 51 a day. Those who express concern and outrage at these violent crimes are accused of being whingers and are invited to leave the country.

"Where the government and (National Intelligence) Minister (Ronnie) Kasrils have the power to act, they do not," Gibson told the Parliament.

He urged government to resist the temptation of partisanship, saying there had been mistakes and strategic errors on both sides.

SA needed to remain equidistant and to stress the great values of its own constitution.