South Africa is willing to share its "experience in mediation and conflict resolution" to help settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on October 12.
"South Africa stands ready to work with the international community and to share our experience in mediation and conflict resolution, as we have done on the continent and around the world," the leader's statement reads.
The president called on the international community to intensify efforts to achieve a long-term peace in the Middle East, which requires the creation of two states – Palestinian and Israeli – based on the 1967 borders.
In the same vein, President Vladimir Putin earlier stressed that Russia is in favor of mediation based on the implementation of the decisions of the United Nations and the creation of the Palestinian state.
Ramaphosa also called on the parties to the conflict to cease hostilities. He also stressed the need for the "immediate and unconditional opening of humanitarian corridors.
"Our thoughts are with all the victims families and loved ones during this perilous period of fighting. We remain gravely concerned at the devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed against civilian populations. We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the exercise of restraint. It is vital that all those who require urgent humanitarian assistance are provided with the basic life supporting necessities and that human suffering is ameliorated," the leader added.
South Africa drew international attention in 2022 when it hosted the peace talks that helped resolve the Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, one of the deadliest conflicts in recent African history.
South Africa's peace efforts also extend to conflicts beyond the continent. In June, an African delegation led by Ramaphosa visited Kiev as part of a peace initiative to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. The delegation then traveled to Russia to discuss ways to resolve the conflict. The mission was the first to be hosted by both Russia and Ukraine. In September, Ramaphosa said his country was continuing its efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.