By Ebi Kesiena
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the genocide unfolding in Gaza can no longer be ignored.
This was conveyed in a statement by his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, following a joint declaration by foreign ministers from countries including France, Canada, Spain, and Australia.
According to Magwenya, world leaders are waking up to the atrocities committed against Palestinians, which have become increasingly difficult to overlook. “The reality is that it is no longer palatable to look the other way and ignore the genocide currently taking place in Gaza and against Palestinians,” he said.
Ramaphosa affirmed South Africa’s commitment to pursuing its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), noting that the growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by other nations reinforces the legitimacy of South Africa’s legal action, even if it carries no direct legal bearing on the case.
Although France has not yet joined the ICJ case, Magwenya said South Africa wouldn’t be surprised if more countries aligned with its position.
In a coordinated statement on Wednesday, 14 countries, including G7 members—called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, and unimpeded humanitarian aid access. The signatories reiterated support for a two-state solution, calling for the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority.
The statement also urged nations yet to recognise Palestine or normalise relations with Israel to take decisive steps towards lasting peace in the region.
