The agreement between Israel and Hamas on a humanitarian pause might strengthen efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, believed President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to Ramaphosa the deal negotiated by Qatar will ensure the release of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages, as well as the provision of relief aid to Gaza.
Thousands of civilians lost their lives on both sides during this temporarily paused war that lasted more than five weeks.
Ramaphosa raised concerns that paused war might resume because it’s a temporary agreement not permanent.
Earlier Ramaphosa said: “Israel’s actions are a violation of international law. They show a total disregard for successive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that call for an end to the occupation of Palestinian land and for the fulfillment of the rights of the Palestinian people.” “The senseless and continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza will have devastating consequences for more than two million people who have been suffering under an illegal Israeli blockade for 14 years. As is always the case, it is civilians who will bear the brunt, with their homes and livelihoods destroyed.”
Ramaphosa said every effort must be made to dissuade both sides from further escalation, and to end the violence that is causing fear, death and misery on both sides.
“We call on all parties involved to show restraint, to respect human life, and to cease the current hostilities…Far too many lives have been lost to this intractable conflict. The continued occupation of Palestinian land and the suffering of the Palestinian people is a blight on the conscience of humanity.”
“As South Africa, we are committed to being part of international efforts aimed at reviving a political process that will lead to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state existing side-by-side in peace with Israel, and within internationally recognised borders.”
Ramaphosa said the two-state solution remains the most viable option for the peoples of Israel and Palestine, and must continue to be supported.
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