Cyril Ramaphosa on Palestine

Cyril Ramaphosa, the President, articulates a strong, principled position supporting Palestinian self-determination as the only path to lasting peace in the region. He explicitly reiterates South Africa's commitment to a two-state solution, envisioning a contiguous Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing peacefully alongside the State of Israel based on the 1967 borders. The president has strongly condemned what he describes as brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, asserting that Israel's actions violate international law and necessitate global action, including compliance with International Court of Justice decisions. This stance is underscored by South Africa's decision to take Israel to the ICJ concerning obligations under the Genocide Convention.

The implications of his stance position South Africa as a vocal supporter of Palestinian statehood, urging the global majority to pursue this ideal despite Israeli efforts to preclude it. He has called for concrete steps to restore the two-state solution prospects, including global recognition of Palestine, an immediate ceasefire, the release of all political prisoners and hostages, and a halt to illegal settlements. The president views the denial of self-determination, sovereignty, and human rights to the Palestinian people as a significant moral failure for the international community, demanding immediate, unified action to protect those whose existence is threatened.