South Africa reaffirms the country's commitment to the international community's search for a just and lasting two-state solution to the Palestine issue, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in the statement on the commemoration of the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
"The South African Government joins the international community in commemorating the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People [hosted in South Africa on November 25], as well as renewing South Africa’s shared commitment to a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine," read the statement.
South Africa reiterated its call for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon, for the initiation of a political process leading to a just peace, which should inevitably take the form of a two-state solution, and for continued strong international humanitarian, economic, and political support for the Palestinian aspirations for freedom and statehood.
"The question of Palestine remains unresolved after 75 years. The Palestinian question remains at the core of tensions in the Middle East. In this regard, this occasion provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect and take stock of the plight of the people of Palestine," the department emphasized in the statement.
Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, attended the commemoration ceremony where he unveiled a memorial in honor of the late Palestinian leader, President Yasser Arafat. He also received an award on behalf of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for his support of Palestine and for his leadership of South Africa's ICJ case against Israel on genocide in the Gaza Strip, the department said on X.