South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Monday that “anything short of self-determination and the recognition of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people will not be acceptable and will not bring a just and lasting peace to the region.”
Speaking at the African National Congress’s 5th National General Council in Ekurhuleni near Johannesburg, Ramaphosa expressed concern over Israel’s repeated violations of a ceasefire with Hamas that took effect Oct. 10.
“South Africa welcomed the ceasefire, which led to the return of hostages and the release of many Palestinian political prisoners. However, it is deeply concerning that Israel continues to breach the agreement almost daily,” Ramaphosa told party delegates.
He added that Israel’s actions in Gaza prompted the South African government to argue before the International Court of Justice that Israel is in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention.
South Africa filed the case at the ICJ in December 2023 following Israel’s bombings of Gaza and civilian casualties. Since then, the court has issued a series of provisional measures ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide.
