SA welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire, urges path to ‘just peace’

Hamas

Pretoria – The South African government has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, marking an end to 15 months of intense violence in Gaza.

The ceasefire follows a deadly period during which Israel’s actions in Gaza were described as “genocidal” by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) emphasised the importance of the agreement as a critical step toward addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, home to 2.3 million Palestinians.

The government expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for a lasting and equitable peace that upholds the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.

“South Africa calls for the implementation of a just and lasting peace that ensures the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis are protected and promoted. The ceasefire agreement is a crucial first step toward ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed to be plausibly genocidal,” the department said.

DIRCO called for the establishment of a “contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian state” as part of the peace process, highlighting the need to preserve Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The department urged all parties to halt illegal settlement expansions and ensure no land is annexed in Gaza or the West Bank.

“The provisional measures prescribed by the ICJ must be adhered to by the occupying power,” the department said, stressing the need for international and humanitarian law to be respected.

Recognising the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, South Africa called for immediate and unrestricted access to essential aid, including food, water, shelter, and healthcare, for civilians in the region.

DIRCO insisted that all obstacles to humanitarian relief must be removed unconditionally.

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace, underscoring the necessity of addressing the root causes of the conflict.

The ceasefire comes amid international pressure for an end to the violence and growing calls for accountability for alleged violations of human rights and international law.

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