Portrait of Cyril Ramaphosa
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Cyril Ramaphosa on Gaza

Advocate for two-state solution (strong)

TL;DR

Cyril Ramaphosa strongly advocates for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, Palestinian statehood, and accountability for alleged genocide.

Key Points

  • He called for the immediate release of South Africans and others abducted during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Gaza on October 2, 2025.

  • The President stated that South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice will proceed despite any Gaza ceasefire agreement.

  • He continues to urge for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations toward the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state existing in peace alongside Israel as of December 2025.

Summary

President Cyril Ramaphosa maintains a consistently strong stance regarding the conflict in Gaza, centering his position on the necessity of international law, a two-state solution, and holding Israel accountable for its actions. He has vocally accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, referencing findings by international bodies, and has stressed that a ceasefire must be immediate, coupled with meaningful negotiations. Furthermore, his government is driving the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, asserting that progress and healing depend on this legal process being heard, regardless of any temporary agreements like a ceasefire.

He links the resolution of the conflict to broader international principles, reiterating South Africa's firm commitment to a contiguous Palestinian State alongside Israel based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The President has also called for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza, citing reports of famine and condemning actions that violate international law, such as the interception of aid flotillas. His government has also taken diplomatic action, including declaring Israel's chargé d'affaires persona non grata, signaling the seriousness of the bilateral strain caused by the Gaza situation.

Key Quotes

“If the opportunity were to open, we would talk and say: there must be a ceasefire. Dialog is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war. And we want this war to come to an end immediately”

Frequently Asked Questions

Cyril Ramaphosa's position is one of strong condemnation of the conflict and calls for immediate action based on international law. He demands an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.

The documented positions indicate a consistent stance focused on international law and a two-state solution. His administration has actively pursued legal accountability for Israel's actions via the ICJ since December 2023.

The President has asserted that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that its actions violate international law, including ICJ injunctions. He also stated that anything short of Palestinian self-determination will not bring lasting peace to the region.