Ramaphosa again calls for release of hostages kidnapped in Israel & for Gaza ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the wars in Ukraine and Gaza were causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability.
President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kampala, Uganda on 19 January 2024. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated calls for the urgent release of hostages kidnapped in Israel over three months ago and for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Ramaphosa on Friday told the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meeting in the Ugandan capital of Kampala that the war on Gaza once again reflected the shortcomings of the United Nations, in particular the security council.
The NAM is the largest grouping outside of the United Nations and comprises countries not affiliated to any major power bloc.
Ramaphosa has used the platform to also appeal for economic sanctions to be lifted against Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the wars in Ukraine and Gaza were causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability.
He said South Africa remained steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in pursuit of international peace and security.
Ramaphosa said his government advocated for inclusive dialogue and the political settlement of disputes.
At a time when the world appears to once again be divided between east and west, Ramaphosa said the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence.
He told the gathering of leaders that the people of Western Sahara and Palestine deserved self-determination.
"We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza."
A week since South Africa argued its case against Israel for a ceasefire in the International Court of Justice, Ramaphosa told the movement it did so to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians.
Ramaphosa said the Non-Aligned Movement should not only adhere to the equality of nations but the equality of human beings.