By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the United Nations for adopting a two-state solution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York this week, Ramaphosa said the resolution was long overdue as more and more countries come out to lambast the state of Israel for its military assault in Gaza.
“Consistent with the case that South Africa brought before the International Court of Justice, there is growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” said Ramaphosa.
“As Palestinians continue to face genocide and famine, we have a duty to act.”
The president further heaped praise on the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry which concluded that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.
Ramaphosa said the two-state solution was reflective of the global call and determination of the majority plea that Palestinians deserved a peaceful state alongside Israel.
“The long overdue announcement by an increasing number of countries to recognise the State of Palestine is testament to this determination. We have a responsibility as the Member States of the United Nations to reaffirm the right of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara,” he said.
“This is a moment of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine or Israel but for all people who cherish their ideals of freedom and self-determination.”
South Africa in 2003 took an unprecedented step and charged Israel with crime against humanity after the war flared up in the region, a move that seemed to have angered the United State President Donald Trump administration.
Ramaphosa said as the UN celebrated 80 years of existence, it needed to observe that it was created to save nations from the scourge of war and build a peaceful, prosperous and just world.
He added that through the UN Charter, the nations of the world pledged to uphold peace, development and human rights underpinned by international law.
“Now more than ever, we are called upon to uphold the values and advance the purpose of the United Nations. We are called upon to advance cooperation and solidarity between nations,” he said.
“We are called upon to promote multilateralism and safeguard the institutions that enable it.”
The president also used the platform to endorse the initiative by the UN to partner with the African Union to promote peace and stability on the African continent.
He said this aligned with South Africa’s ambitions as G20 Presidency host as the first country in the continent to play host.
“We therefore welcome the strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations in promoting peace, security and stability on the African continent,” he said.
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