President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday called on Israel to immediately implement the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ’s) provisional orders issued earlier this year, while he urged all parties to exercise restraint and to respect international law.

In marking one year since the start of an onslaught on Palestine - following attacks on Israel by Hamas - that has so far claimed more than 43 000 lives, Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the South African nation that government will, later this month, file a memorial, which is South Africa’s full substantive case based against Israel, on evidence, at the ICJ.

The memorial contains detailed evidence to prove that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine.

In December, the South African government brought a case before the ICJ regarding Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war, that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings.

Ramaphosa said the majority of those killed over the past year are Palestinian civilians, largely women and children, in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“It is alarming that more Palestinians are also being killed in the West Bank due to Israeli Defence Force military activities. More than 1 000 Israelis were killed in the attacks of October 7 last year. Over 100 Israelis remain in captivity in Gaza. There are over 6 000 Palestinians who are languishing in Israeli jails,” he said.

He noted Israel’s most recent attacks on Lebanon, which has resulted in more than 2 000 deaths.

He said the latest escalation is part of a pattern of violence that spans more than half a century, resulting from the occupation of Palestine.

“Until the occupation is ended, and a just and lasting solution is found that will protect the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians, the region will remain a tinderbox of potential conflict and war,” he advised.

Ramaphosa pointed out that a protracted regional conflict that leads to the loss of more innocent lives is something the Middle East and the world cannot afford.

He stressed South Africa’s consistent call for a resolution to the conflict and for the release of all hostages.

“…we have also called for the release of all the prisoners unlawfully detained in Israel. We cannot but be moved by the plight of all the families who have loved ones in captivity. With negotiations to secure their release having once again stalled and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continuing, the conflict shows no signs of abating,” Ramaphosa said.

He pointed out that amid efforts by the international community to secure a ceasefire, the situation has been worsened by strikes by Israel on Lebanon and by Iran on Israel.

Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran and Iran has threatened to respond accordingly.

Ramaphosa said the escalating situation in the Middle East is of grave concern, saying it threatens to plunge the region into a war in which civilians will inevitably bear the “greatest and the cruellest brunt” of this conflict.

Ramaphosa stated that South Africa remains committed to a peaceful resolution to ending the occupation of Palestine, to upholding the tenets of international law and to advancing social justice.

The South African government has once again called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“Beyond an immediate end to the onslaught against Gaza, there is an urgent need for action to stave off starvation and disease among the population. Considerable resources need to be directed to Gaza to start rebuilding infrastructure, housing, social services, agricultural production and economic activity,” Ramaphosa said.