Countries opposed to SA's ICJ case now calling for end to killings in Gaza - Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa told Parliament on Thursday that even countries which were opposed to South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice have begun calling on Israel to stop the killings in Gaza.
Ramaphosa responded to the debate on his State of the Nation Address.
He said South Africa remains deeply concerned about the situation of the people of Gaza amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this week, South Africa made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice to consider using its power to prevent a further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians.
The president told MPs that the South African government will continue to support the people of Gaza.
"We are gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, which is the last refuge for much of Gaza’s population, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction.
"Our call has been taken up by countries around the world, calling on Israel to cease its armed actions against Rafah in particular and on the people of Gaza more generally.
"We remain committed to do everything we can – as is our moral and legal responsibility – to stop acts of genocide in Gaza," says Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa says the extent of the killings has now angered countries which didn't support South Africa's decision to approach the ICJ.
'Our call has been taken up by other countries around the world, particularly those who said our case in the International Court of Justice was meritless and it didn't really have any value, even those countries are now saying, and calling on Israel to cease its armed actions against Rafah, in particular, and on the people of Gaza more generally.
"They are saying they would like Israel to listen to its friends. Even those who are Israel's friends are saying, please heed our call to stop the onslaught or the assault on Rafah," said Ramaphosa.
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