New York, USA — In a forceful address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, urging the world to recognize Palestinian statehood, demand an immediate ceasefire, and remove obstacles to the two-state solution.
Ramaphosa insisted that the only viable path to peace lies in a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. He decried Israel’s “illegal expansion” of settlements and the separation wall as formidable barriers to peace.
“The world is appalled at the brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, aimed at eradicating the Palestinians from that narrow strip of land… The viability of a two-state solution depends on full and universal respect for international law.”
South Africa’s Legal and Moral Stand
The South African government has long led a legal offensive against Israel’s war in Gaza. In December 2023, South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.
Ramaphosa called on the ICJ to issue a binding ruling that confirms Israel is committing genocide and compels it to halt operations. He referenced a UN Human Rights Council investigation which found that Israel may have committed multiple acts fitting the genocide definition, including destruction of infrastructure, restriction of life-sustaining resources, and killings.
He also drew a parallel to South Africa’s own history by invoking apartheid, arguing that South Africa is especially qualified to speak against structural oppression and systemic dispossession.
Demands to the Global Community
To revive prospects for a lasting peace, Ramaphosa laid out sharp demands for nations and multilateral bodies:
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Recognition of Palestine’s statehood
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Immediate ceasefire and end to what he described as genocide
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Release of hostages held by Hamas and political prisoners held by Israel
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Respect for international law including UN Security Council resolutions and ICJ decisions
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Removal of obstacles like settlements and the separation wall
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Unhindered humanitarian aid and reconstruction for Gaza
He implored all nations, especially those committed to justice and human rights, to act together in pursuing this solution.
Diplomatic Ripples & Context
Ramaphosa’s remarks come against a backdrop of growing global support for Palestine. Several countries—France, UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and more—have recently announced formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.
His stance reinforces South Africa’s long-term leadership on the issue. In earlier phases, Pretoria had successfully secured provisional measures from the ICJ ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide, allow humanitarian access, and not impede births in Gaza.
However, critics caution that enforcement of international law remains limited, especially when powerful actors are involved. Others argue that political will, not legal pronouncements alone, will determine whether Ramaphosa’s vision can translate into substantive change on the ground.
