A year after the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the call for peace and justice in the Middle East.

“The escalating situation in the Middle East is of grave concern,” said the president. “The global community cannot afford a long-standing conflict in that region.”

Mr Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s stance on the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire that would bring relief to civilians under siege.

“We once again call for an immediate ceasefire that would end the suffering of the people of Gaza and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need,” he said.

According to Mr Ramaphosa, South Africa would file a memorial at the International Court of Justice later this month with detailed evidence to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in Palestine.

“We call on Israel to immediately implement the court’s provisional orders issued on January 26, March 28, and May 24 this year,” said the president.

Mr Ramaphosa’s administration flagged the killings of Palestinians as “genocidal acts” when it filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel with the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2023. 

(Xinhua/NAN)