South Africa’s president urges world to pressure Israel to stop attacks in Gaza, Lebanon

By Hassan Isilow

South Africa’s president on Monday called on world leaders to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.

‘‘We call for the immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The release of hostages and also ensure humanitarian assistance does get through to the people,’’ Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to supporters in Johannesburg marking 100 days in power.

The ANC, which has led South Africa since the dawn of democracy in 1994, did not get a majority in May’s national election, forcing it to form a coalition.

Ramaphosa said in the next few days his government will submit its full case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in support of the people of Palestine against the genocide that is being committed to the people of Palestine particularly in Gaza.

He said his government will ensure it continues to support the people of Palestine.

"Comrades, we are also concerned about the bombings that have been taking place by Israel in nearby countries such as Lebanon,’’ Ramaphosa said.

South Africa filed its case at the tribunal based in The Hague in late 2023, accusing Israel, which has bombed Gaza since last October, of failing to uphold its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Several countries including Türkiye, Nicaragua, Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia, have all joined the case which began public hearings in January.

The top court in May ordered Israel to halt its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. It was the third time the 15-judge panel issued preliminary orders seeking to rein in the death toll and alleviate humanitarian suffering in the blockaded enclave, where the casualty count has crossed 42,200.