South African Government Unwavering in Support for Palestine

President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the party's national executive committee meeting in Boksburg, reinforced the African National Congress (ANC)'s resolute support for Palestine. He highlighted the grave and perilous situation people in Palestine face under occupation for the past 75 years, pledging South Africa's solidarity to their cause for justice.

Recalling South Africa's own fight against apartheid, Ramaphosa empathized with the plight of the Palestinian people. He further asserted that violence, leading to the loss of civilian life on both sides, should be strictly avoided, abiding by international law.

Ramaphosa detailed the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, with the razing of residences, hospitals, and an order for over a million Gazans to evacuate their northern region within 24 hours issued by the Israeli government. In face of these alarming conditions, South Africa has called for humanitarian corridors to be opened for urgent provision of food, water, and electricity to Gazans.

Echoing the ANC's long-standing stance, Ramaphosa asserted that peace in the Middle East hinges on a two-state solution within the 1967 borders, a resolution advocated by the global community and the United Nations. He conveyed his administration's readiness to participate neutrally in conflict resolution initiatives, unconcerned with ideological alignment.

Looking beyond Israel and Palestine's borders, Ramaphosa expressed concern that this conflict could spread across the Middle East at a time when multiple crises are already shaking Europe and Africa.

In addition to political support, Ramaphosa mentioned that the South African government will lend humanitarian aid. Requests for assistance from several countries are being processed, and the government is also considering the evacuation of South Africans residing in Palestine and Israel.