BRICS Summit: Cyril Ramaphosa denounces Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denounced Israeli actions in Gaza as «war crimes» and «genocide» during the virtual BRICS summit held on Tuesday, November 21. Ramaphosa accused Israel of illegally using force and inflicting «collective punishment on Palestinian civilians», labeling such acts as war crimes. He also criticized the deliberate withholding of medicines, fuel, food, and water in Gaza, equating it to genocide.
Ramaphosa called for an «immediate and complete ceasefire» and urged the international community to take «urgent and concrete» measures to end the suffering in Gaza.
He advocated for the deployment of a rapid United Nations force to «monitor the cessation of hostilities» and «protect civilians».
Additionally, Cyril Ramaphosa called on all countries to exercise restraint by ceasing arms supplies to the conflicting parties.
This stance follows Ramaphosa’s joint request with four other states for an International Criminal Court investigation into the war in Gaza.
Furthermore, the South African government recalled its diplomats from Israel for consultations earlier this month.
These statements underscore President Ramaphosa’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlight the BRICS position on this sensitive issue.
Related article: Diplomacy: Israel recalls its Ambassador as South Africa criticizes Gaza operations
Pedro OKALAMAR
