Ramaphosa: Situation in Gaza ‘beyond human contemplation or understanding’

Ramaphosa’s remarks came hours after South Africa petitioned the International Court of Justice to impose fresh emergency measures on Israel over what it described as the "widespread starvation" resulting from its Gaza offensive.

It is the second time the government has asked the court for additional measures -- its first request in February was denied.

South Africa said it was "compelled to return to the Court in light of the new facts and changes in the situation in Gaza -- particularly the situation of widespread starvation" during the offensive.

Pretoria said its application may be "the last opportunity that this Court shall have to save the Palestinian people in Gaza already dying of starvation, and now 'one step' from famine," citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Israel's war with Hamas has entered its sixth month with over 30,000 people killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Fighting began after an unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that resulted in about 1,160 deaths.

Speaking to the media during his walkabout in Mpumalanga on Thursday morning, Ramaphosa said the call for an immediate ceasefire is meant to help take food and medical aid to Gaza.

"The suffering is beyond human contemplation or understanding. 

"The world has to do something. Hence, we have called for an immediate ceasefire and a humanitarian one, for that matter, so that food and health supplies can come in. 

"South Africa is determined to continue supporting the people of Palestine".