South Africa reaffirms solidarity with Palestinians as “decades of illegal occupation” continues

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, stating that they are enduring “indescribable suffering” after “decades of illegal occupation.”

Ramaphosa assured South Africa’s commitment to international law, highlighting its decision to file a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in December 2023.

“South Africa has acted in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention by instituting proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice,” he said on X.

He further reaffirmed South Africa’s adherence to the United Nations Charter, stressing the importance of resolving international disputes through peaceful means.

South Africa has been relentless in its support for Palestine, likening their struggles to that of the apartheid era.

“The struggle for liberation, for sovereignty, for self-determination of Palestinian people and the liberation movement in South Africa have always been closely twinned,” confirms Nicole Fritz, former director of the Southern African Litigation Centre and the Helen Suzman Foundation, two of southern Africa’s leading human rights NGOs. “From the earliest days, there have been an understanding, a recognition of each other, solidarity and support from the early days, until the end of Apartheid.”