On the one-year anniversary of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will escalate its efforts to hold Israel accountable by filing a memorial at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) later this month, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This memorial, according to Ramaphosa, will present South Africa’s full case, backed by evidence, to argue that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa renewed his calls for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza. He stated, ‘Later this month, we will file a memorial, which is South Africa’s full substantive case based on evidence, at the International Court of Justice. The memorial contains 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 26 January, 28 March 2024, and 24 May 2024.’
Ramaphosa’s message coincided with the first anniversary of the latest conflict, which began on 7 October 2023. He emphasised the long history of violence tied to Israel’s occupation of Palestine, noting that until a lasting resolution is found, the region will remain a ‘tinderbox of potential conflict and war.’ He added that despite Israel’s stated desire for peace, its military actions in places like Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights have consistently undermined that goal.
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The president highlighted the devastating toll of Israel’s recent military strikes, particularly in Lebanon, where over 2 000 people have lost their lives. He remarked that while Israel claims to be using ‘targeted strikes’ against Hezbollah, civilians continue to suffer the greatest losses, much like in Gaza.
Since the conflict reignited in October 2023, South Africa has been one of the leading voices condemning the violence. Pretoria has consistently called for an end to the war, which has since spread to other countries in the Middle East. Despite efforts, including taking the issue to the ICJ, the conflict continues to escalate, with recent strikes by Israel on Lebanon and retaliatory attacks from Iran. Both countries have threatened further actions, heightening fears of a wider regional war.
Reflecting on the past year, Ramaphosa stated, ‘Today marks one year since the start of an onslaught against the Palestinian people that has thus far claimed more than 43 000 lives. The violence that has been committed by Israel against Palestinians over many decades intensified after an attack on Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October last year.’
He further explained that most of the victims in the past year have been Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children in Gaza, while over 1 000 Israelis were killed in the 7 October attacks. Hundreds of Israelis remain in captivity in Gaza, and more than 6 000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel. Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa has repeatedly called for the release of all hostages taken on 7 October 2023, as well as all prisoners unlawfully detained in Israel.
‘We cannot but be moved by the plight of all the families who have loved ones in captivity. With negotiations to secure their release having once again stalled and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continuing, the conflict shows no signs of abating,’ he said.
Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, warning that it threatens to plunge the entire region into a broader war, with civilians continuing to bear the heaviest burden. He reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, respect for international law, and the pursuit of social justice.
‘We once again call for an immediate ceasefire that will end the suffering of the people of Gaza and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need,’ he urged.
Last month, Ramaphosa used the UN General Assembly platform to call for accountability for atrocities committed by all sides, including both Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that South Africa will remain committed to supporting any effort that brings peace to the Middle East.
‘A protracted regional conflict that leads to the loss of more innocent lives is something the Middle East and the world cannot afford. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and for the tenets of international law to be respected,’ he concluded.
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