In celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the UN General Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the removal of obstacles to the two-State solution, including a halt to illegal Israeli settlements and removal of the separation wall.

Ramaphosa was speaking during a meeting in New York on a two-State solution in the Middle East, where he urged member States to recognise Palestinian statehood and act in solidarity with its people.

He noted that the world was appalled at the brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, aimed at eradicating the Palestinians from that narrow strip of land, and the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

He highlighted that the situation had been made worse by Israel’s stated intention to annex the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Ramaphosa said the viability of a two-State solution depended on full and universal respect for international law.

“It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he explained.

He said all States, including the State of Israel, must comply with the collective obligations under international law.

Ramaphosa pointed out that in restoring the prospects of a two-State solution, South Africa called for global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

South Africa also called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel, while also calling for restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Ramaphosa wants full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the ICJ.

He expressed concerns at UN reports stating that all areas of Gaza had reached acute starvation levels and that the residents were facing famine.

“South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza,” he said.

He highlighted that this was a conflict that had raged for almost as long as the UN has existed.

“It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people.

“We trust that the practical measures and requirements outlined in the outcome document of the International Conference will provide crucial momentum towards achieving lasting peace,” he said.