South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks out in Support of Gaza at the UNGA on 23 September. Image: Britannica.
(The Post News) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used his opening speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address and call for urgent global reforms of the Gaza Crisis, as the week-long summit opened on Monday. President Ramaphosa is expected to discuss agendas related to the upcoming G20 summit and national development, including trade and investment.
President Ramaphosa focuses on the Gaza crisis
On Monday, the leader of the global South boldly condemned Israel’s actions at the UN General Assembly vote, calling it a “brutal act of genocide.” He praised countries that recognized Palestine as a state and urged others to join the movement while insisting on a ceasefire or a peace deal.
Ramaphosa supported the two-state solution, which would allow Palestine sovereignty; however, it needs Israel’s “full and universal respect for international law.” He said this could be done if Israel would stop “illegal settlements” and allow “reconstruction in Gaza.” Egyptian leaders have expressed a willingness to host a Gaza reconstruction conference after a ceasefire is reached.
President Ramaphosa also urged Israel to release political prisoners and hostages held by Hamas and allow humanitarian aid. Earlier in September, the United Nations Committee also called for humanitarian aid allowance after their investigation revealed that “approximately 40,500 children in Gaza have suffered war-related injuries, with 21,000 of them left disabled.”
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