INSIDE POLITICS REPORTER
President Cyril Ramaphosa told a delegation of Muslim leaders and scholars on Monday that South Africa’s international legal action against the state of Israel is informed by the country’s own historical experience with apartheid and ongoing commitment to combat global injustice.
Ramaphosa said the gathering, described as a ‘Thanksgiving Mission’ held at Luthuli House, ANC headquarters in Johannesburg, is a platform to acknowledge and re-inforce a unified commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Among the leaders from across the globe were secretary-general of the United States Council of Muslim Organisations Ousama Jamal,and Shaykh Yusuf Abdoulaye, representing the East African Muslim community in North America.
Ramaphose said, “We stand at a pivotal moment in the history of our nation and in the unfolding narrative of global solidarity. The ANC is humbled by the global anti-apartheid conference on Palestine, held in Johannesburg, South Africa this past weekend”.
He said the ANC remains committed towards building a just world, underpinned by equality, peace and prosperity for all, and the values amplified by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Over the weekend, Egypt announced it will join South Africa in the genocide case filed against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“South Africa is happy to see many other countries changing their stance and recognising SA’s application at the ICJ against Israel as the correct move”, he said.
“Today, we have noted several countries electing to join our call for justice at the ICJ against this unfolding genocide. We are heartened by students across Europe and the America’s, who have braved brutality to declare that never again in their name will such a genocide be perpetrated”.
Ramaphosa said it is concerning that humanitarian aid meant for displaced people in Gaza is being blocked, delayed and frustrated in many ways by Israeli soldiers.
INSIDE POLITICS
