South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, describing it as a "stain on humanity" and calling for an immediate end to the atrocities that have persisted for 428 days.
During an address to the Algerian Parliament on Friday, Ramaphosa said, "We understand what it means to live under colonialism and oppression, and we stand firmly with the Palestinian people in their fight for freedom." He urged the world to act to halt the genocide against Palestinians, emphasising South Africa’s commitment to opposing the escalating Israeli violations in Gaza.
Ramaphosa revealed that South Africa had initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide. He highlighted crimes such as the killing of children and women, targeting schools, and denying humanitarian aid, describing these acts as a "war of extermination" and a "blemish on humanity."
The president invoked Nelson Mandela’s legacy, stating that South Africa’s own freedom is incomplete until Palestinians achieve their right to freedom and self-determination. He reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering solidarity with Palestine until the occupation ends.
Addressing criticism of South Africa’s ICJ case, Ramaphosa noted warnings from some quarters that the legal route might not yield results. However, he maintained that South Africa was determined to proceed, presenting comprehensive evidence to support the genocide accusations.
South Africa first filed its case against Israel on 29 December 2023, with an updated memorandum submitted on 28 October 2024, containing additional evidence of genocide. According to diplomatic sources, Israel has until 28 July 2025 to submit a counter-memorandum in response.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its genocidal war on Gaza, intensifying military operations, killing families, and forcibly displacing civilians in northern Gaza, where attacks have now persisted for 68 days.
The ongoing assault has claimed the lives of 44,612 Palestinians and left 105,834 wounded since 7 October 2023. The humanitarian crisis worsens daily, prompting urgent calls for international action.
