Islamabad: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa Tuesday urged an end to hostilities in Gaza and the release of hostages in his New Year message.
According to Anadolu News Agency, the South African leader reiterated his country’s historic support for the Palestinian people’s struggle.
“As the conflict in the Middle East continues, as genocide is perpetrated against the people of Gaza, and as Israeli hostages remain in captivity, we continue to call for the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages,” Ramaphosa was quoted as saying.
Root of solidarity
South Africa has displayed robust support for Palestinians over Israel’s war on Gaza.
The solidarity is believed to have its roots in South Africa’s struggle against the apartheid.
Referring to Israel’s ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians Ramaphosa said, “Just as we attained our freedom through the support and solidarity of many people and nations around the world, we continue to stand in solidarity with the victims of injustice in other parts of the world”.
A case of genocide
In 2023, South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel with the International Criminal Court.
Accusing Israel, South African legal experts contended that the Jewish state failed to uphold its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Israel has relentlessly bombed Gaza throughout the raging conflict.
Israeli since October 7, 2023, alone has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the war continues.
Other than South Africa, Turkiye, Nicaragua, Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Libya, and Colombia, have joined the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which began public hearings in January last year.
