ALGIERS (Palestine Foundation Information Center) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an end to the genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, asserting that the crimes committed in the Gaza Strip represent a “stain on humanity.”
Ramaphosa made these remarks during a speech he delivered on Friday evening before the Algerian parliament as part of his official visit to Algeria at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He reaffirmed his country’s steadfast position in supporting the freedom of the Palestinian people, stating, “We know what it means to be colonized and oppressed, and we stand firmly with the Palestinians in their struggle for freedom.”
The South African president demanded an immediate end to the Israeli genocide against the Palestinians, emphasizing that his country will not remain passive in the face of violations. He added, “We have taken legal action against Israel before the International Court of Justice on charges of committing genocide.”
Ramaphosa explained that the crimes committed against the Palestinians include “the killing of children and women, targeting schools, and preventing the entry of humanitarian aid,” describing these acts as “genocide” and a “stain on humanity.” He also affirmed that Nelson Mandela taught South Africa that its freedom would not be complete until the Palestinian people achieve their full rights to freedom and self-determination.
Ramaphosa noted that some parties warned South Africa that resorting to the International Court of Justice might be futile, but he insisted on pursuing this path in support of the Palestinian people. He said, “The Palestinians urgently need our support in the face of what is happening in Gaza.”
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
During a meeting between President Ramaphosa and Algerian President Tebboune, the two leaders emphasized the necessity of holding Israel accountable before the International Court of Justice for the crimes committed against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
