President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the global community to act urgently to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, and for humanitarian assistance for the people of the Middle Eastern country.

The President was addressing the High-Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday.

“This is a matter of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine, not only for the people of Israel, but for all people who cherish the ideals of freedom and self-determination.

“The international community must act now and in unison. It must act not only in the interests of international peace and security, but also to protect people whose very existence is now under threat.

“We welcome the demonstrable groundswell of support for the establishment of the much-awaited State of Palestine,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, the President called for collaboration for a “just, peaceful and lasting solution” to the conflict.

“The viability of a two-State solution depends on full and universal respect for international law.

“It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.

“All States, including the State of Israel, must comply with our collective obligations under international law,” he asserted.

To restore the prospect of a two-State solution, South Africa calls for:

• Global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
• An immediate ceasefire; an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel;
• Full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the International Court of Justice;
• Removal of obstacles to the two-State solution, including a halt to illegal settlements and removal of the separation wall, and
• Restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Urgent action

President Ramaphosa expressed “grave concern” at reports that Gaza has reached acute starvation, with residents facing famine.

“South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza.

“This is a conflict that has raged for almost as long as the United Nations has existed.

“It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.