South African President Urges Ceasefire in Gaza for Lasting Peace

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed that South Africa would certainly support a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid and ultimately put an end to what is described as the Israeli genocide against Palestine.

Ramaphosa responded to reports suggesting a growing possibility of a ceasefire following the intense bombardment of Palestine by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This situation has led global organizations to accuse Israel of committing genocide, with more than 46,000 casualties reported, including children and women.

Vincent Mangwenya, the spokesperson for Ramaphosa, informed IOL that South Africa remains steadfast in its longstanding stance advocating for an end to Palestinian displacement. “We have continually urged the establishment of humanitarian corridors,” he stated.

He stated, “A ceasefire agreement is urgently needed and would significantly assist those in dire need of food, water, and medicine.” Former Member of Parliament Ghaleb Cachalia mentioned that the progress in discussions between Hamas and Israel marks a positive development.

A cease-fire and the release of Palestinians detained by Israel without due process, along with hostages held by Hamas, is a positive development. The gradual withdrawal of the IDF—responsible for nearly 50,000 recorded Palestinian deaths, most being women and children—is also long overdue. Equally important is ending the relentless destruction in Gaza.

The issue also includes the specifics of the suggested phased withdrawals and Israel’s ongoing regulation of food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza. It is crucial for international humanitarian organizations and media outlets to have access to Gaza in order to shed light on the challenges faced by Palestinians amidst efforts at eradication supported by Zionist Israel with full backing from the US government.

Read More: South Africa Submits ‘Evidence’ of War Crimes Against Israel

Cachalia emphasized the necessity for the United Nations to intervene in order to oversee and support the rebuilding efforts of Palestine’s ravaged land and its struggling populace. As talks toward a ceasefire progress, Al Jazeera noted that Gaza residents are showing “a mixture of optimism and deep-seated skepticism.” According to reports from Al Jazeera, by Tuesday morning Israeli actions had resulted in twelve Palestinian casualties in Khan Younis located in southern Gaza, eight more fatalities occurred in Deir el-Balah situated centrally, while four individuals were killed northwardly within Gaza City.

In a phone interview with the US-based Newsmax network, President Donald Trump reportedly mentioned that there had been a handshake agreement and that a Gaza ceasefire deal is on the verge of being finalized, potentially by the end of this week.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s incoming special envoy to the Middle East, previously informed reporters that he was collaborating with Biden administration officials during the negotiations. He expressed hope for implementing a temporary ceasefire agreement before Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew has informed Israel’s Army Radio that there is “broad support” for a ceasefire deal involving Israel. Under the agreement, Hamas is anticipated to release 33 hostages in the initial phase of an emerging ceasefire arrangement currently being finalized by negotiators in Doha.