The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has said that the actions by Israel over Gaza are in clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention read together with its protocols.
Ramaphosa who disclosed this in his opening remarks at the the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of invited BRICS members on the situation in the Middle East added that the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war crime.
He recalled the 7th of October, when more than 1,200 people were killed in an attack by Hamas on Israel, adding that the world has born witness to the devastating killing of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, many of whom are women and children.
According to him, “Over 11,000 residents of Gaza have been killed. Many thousands more have been injured. Infrastructure, homes, hospitals and other public facilities have been destroyed. More than half of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. The actions by Israel are in clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention read together with its protocols.
“In its attacks on civilians and by taking hostages, Hamas has also violated international law and must held accountable for these actions. The collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war crime”, he said.
Ramaphosa stated that the deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to residents of Gaza is tantamount to genocide, adding that the atrocities witnessed are the latest chapter in a painful history of suffering, oppression, occupation and conflict going back more than 75 years.
“The root cause of this conflict is the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel as reflected in UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which states that “Israeli settlements constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.”
He therefore urged the international community to agree on urgent and concrete actions to end the suffering in Gaza and establish a path towards a just and peaceful resolution of this conflict.
Ramaphosa said, “As South Africa, we call for: First, an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Second, opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach all those in need.
“Third, all countries to exercise restraint and to desist from fueling this conflict, including by ceasing the supply of weapons to the parties. Fourth, the release of all civilian hostages.
“Fifth, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led and owned by Palestinians and Israelis themselves and facilitated by the United Nations. Sixth, the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians.
“Lastly, the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for the perpetration of war crimes. As South Africans, we appreciate the importance and value of international solidarity.
“As an important voice of the Global South representing a of humanity, we believe that BRICS has vital role in widespread int’l effort to achieve a just and lasting peace. As individual countries, we have demonstrated our grave concern at the death and destruction in Gaza”, he said.
South African President noted that this meeting should stand as a clarion call for the BRICS to combine its efforts and strengthen its actions to end this historical injustice. “Let us work together to realise just, peaceful and secure future for the people of both Palestine and Israel”.