Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7, with Hamas movement's troops infiltrating border areas. On October 8, the Israeli government announced that it had invoked Article 40 of the Basic Law, which means the country was officially in a state of war.

Ramaphosa Calls on UN to Start Negotiation Process on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

14:35, 22 October 2023

Samantha Arias

Writer

All materials

On October 7, Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, with troops from the Hamas movement infiltrating the border areas. The next day, the Israeli government announced a state of war. On October 21, Egypt hosted the Cairo Peace Summit in order to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Sputnik

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on the United Nations to start negotiations in order to support the end of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and urged a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

"We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, opening of humanitarian corridors and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid on the required scale to the people of Gaza. We also call for a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Ramaphosa stated at the Cairo Peace Summit.

According to him, the international community has a duty and responsibility to support peace and create favorable conditions.

Moreover, Ramaphosa emphasized that the freedom of Palestine can be achieved through negotiations supported by the international community.

"Only through a negotiated settlement supported by the international community can the people of Israel achieve the security they seek and the people of Palestine realize the freedom they deserve," he explained.

The president also addressed his concerns about the targeting of civilians and the violations of international law that are taking place in this conflict.

"As South Africa, we hold the firm view that the attack on civilians in Israel, the ongoing siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly move the people of Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force through bombing, are violations of international law. More than that, these acts are an affront to our common humanity," he said.

Ramaphosa spoke at the Cairo Peace Summit in Egypt on Saturday, where more than 30 nations and a number of international organizations gathered to discuss the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Israel-Palestine Escalation

South Africa Condemns Israel for Triggering Further Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

14 October 2023, 15:48

During the summit, the head of state called on all countries to avoid providing weapons to any of the parties of the conflict.

"We call on all state actors to desist from providing weapons to either of the two sides to this conflict," he said.

At the same time, the leader explained the similarities between South Africa's freedom process and Palestine, as well as the importance of seeking peace in order to end the conflict.

"We waged a brave and courageous struggle to achieve their freedom and were subjected to untold suffering, just like the Palestinians are going through. But we had courageous leaders who were able to set aside their differences, ensued for peace, and were able to bring apartheid to an end," he stated.

According to him, the Israeli government's response to the attack on its citizens will further deepen a conflict that has engulfed the region for many decades.

Israel-Palestine Escalation

ANC Stands in Solidarity with Palestinians, Prepares Protest at Israeli Embassy in South Africa

19 October 2023, 13:12

On October 7, Israel was hit by a massive rocket bombardment from the Gaza Strip. According to the Jewish government, militants from the area fired more than 3,000 rockets, and scores of Hamas fighters invaded southern Israel border regions. Since then, the Israeli military has dispatched troops to retake the southern regions from the Palestinian militants.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Within days of the attack, the Israeli military took control of all settlements near the border. It also began airstrikes against targets, including civilian objects, in the territory of the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israel announced a complete blockade of the area, cutting off water, food, electricity, medicine and fuel.