South Africa demands immediate Gaza ceasefire, pursues genocide case against Israel

South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, has called for an immediate and durable ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising the need for a lasting peace settlement based on a two-state solution.

Speaking in Cairo on Thursday after political consultations with Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, Lamola praised Egypt’s mediation efforts in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

“An immediate, durable ceasefire is needed in Gaza and efforts should be made to find a concrete peace settlement on the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution,’’ Lamola stated, highlighting the devastating toll of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 43,000 lives since October 2023.

Lamola also mentioned South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, filed in December at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Hague-based court has issued three rounds of emergency measures, including an order for Israel to halt its attacks in Rafah and to open additional land crossings for humanitarian aid. South Africa recently submitted further evidence to strengthen its case.

The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Joan E. Donoghue, President of the Court. The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and agencies.
During the discussions, Lamola stressed the importance of addressing conflicts across Africa, including instability in the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. He warned that such conflicts jeopardise the democratic progress made across the continent.

Lamola highlighted the collaborative role South Africa and Egypt play in fostering peace and stability in Africa.

“Despite the geographic distance between us, we are nonetheless closer in our common and shared vision to foster bilateral cooperation, build people-to-people relations and pursue the creation of a better Africa and a better world,’’ he said after meeting Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi.

The two leaders also explored ways to boost trade and investment between South Africa and Egypt, enhancing people-to-people ties while navigating an increasingly volatile international landscape.