South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an end to hostilities in Gaza and the release of hostages in his New Year message, released on Tuesday. He condemned the ongoing violence and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“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 stated.
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s longstanding support for the Palestinian struggle, drawing parallels to the international solidarity that helped end apartheid in his own country.
South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the Hague-based tribunal, accusing the country of breaching its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The legal action, initiated in late 2023, has garnered support from multiple nations, including Turkiye, Spain, Mexico, and Libya, with public hearings at the International Court of Justice commencing in January.
The South African president’s statement comes as Israeli invasion and bombardment of Gaza continues, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 45,500 deaths, predominantly women and children, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
