DIRCO: Govt won't relent in pursuit of a just & lasting solution for Palestine
Government has made another appeal for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon as it observes the United Nations' International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people.
Smoke rises following the Israeli bombardment of Gaza City on 4 July 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group. Picture: Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP
CAPE TOWN - Government has made another appeal for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon as it observes the United Nations' International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people.
The Department of International Relations said government would not relent in its pursuit for a just and lasting solution to the Palestine situation.
On Monday, Minister Ronald Lamola will be awarded by the Palestine Authority in recognition of his role in launching South Africa's case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in his previous portfolio as justice minister.
It's been almost a year since South Africa launched its genocide case against Israel after it retaliated on Palestinians in Gaza after militant group Hamas attacked more than 1,000 civilians in northern Israel in October last year.
This day was designated by the United Nations in 1977 as one of annual observance to mark the adoption of the resolution on the partition of Palestine.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola will on Monday participate in a commemoration ceremony in Freedom Park in Pretoria, where a memorial dedicated to the late Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, will be unveiled.
Lamola will also be bestowed the Order of the Star of Merit on behalf of Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, in acknowledgment of his role in the ICJ case.
The department said that with the Palestinian matter unresolved after 75 years, today presents a crucial opportunity to reflect on the plight of the Palestinian people.
Government said a two-state solution, with full independence, was the only way to achieve peace.
It said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that were aimed at refocusing the international agenda on Palestine, and a revived Middle East process.