Pretoria - President Kgalema Motlanthe is on Friday meeting the Jewish Board of Deputies at the Union Buildings to discuss the situation in the Middle East that has left hundreds dead.
The Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs will also meet the Israeli Ambassador, Dov Segev-Steinberg on Friday to discuss the Gaza conflict.
South Africa on Thursday called on Israel to stop the military offensive in Gaza and immediately and unconditionally pull its forces out of the territory, which Israel invaded in its ground operation two weeks ago.
The appeal came as Baso Sangqu, South Africa's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, was speaking at an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly, which opened in New York on Thursday.
"The South African government has expressed its view that Israeli air strikes are a violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law," he said.
South Africa has begun talks with civil society organisations on ways it can provide humanitarian assistance to the troubled region.
A plane carrying aid was expected to depart for the Middle East on 22 January.
"The South African government has called on the Israeli government to stop military onslaught in Gaza and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces.
"These Israeli air strikes also represent an excessive and disproportionate use of force by Israel.
"In excess of 1 000 deaths, including approximately 350 children, and thousands more injured are unjustifiable.
"We join the (UN) secretary-general in reiterating Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and condemn its excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians," said Mr Sangqu.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Yang Jeichi on Friday paid a courtesy call on President Motlanthe at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The meeting was held within the context of the Strategic Partnership between the South Africa and the People's Republic of China which was launched on 7 January 2008.
On Saturday, the President will also meet with South African Football Legends at the Presidential Guest House.
Among the legends are Trott Moloto, Gardner Seale, Shakes Mashaba, Brian Tlale, Phil Venter, Tebogo Moloi, Zero Johnson, Eugene Zwane, Themba Dlamini, Patson Banda, Muzi Khumalo, Chris Ncgobo
