Ramaphosa: Israel, Hamas must be held accountable
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for Hamas and Israel to be held accountable.
He chaired an extraordinary meeting of the BRICS group of nations on Tuesday afternoon.
In his address to the BRICS group, President Ramaphosa said both Hamas and Israel have violated international law through their actions over the past month and a half.
He said Hamas must be held accountable for its attack in Israel that left over 1 200 people dead and for taking hostages.
Ramaphosa also admonished Israel, saying it has collectively punished the people of Palestine through the unlawful use of force.
"The actions by Israel are in clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention read together with its protocols. In its attacks on civilians and by taking hostages, Hamas has also violated international law and must be held accountable for these actions."
"The atrocities that we have witnessed are the latest chapter in a painful history of suffering, oppression, occupation and conflict going back more than 75 years."
He called this a war crime.
He's also accused Israel of genocide by deliberately denying medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents of Gaza.
"As South Africa, we call for: First, an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Second, the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach all those in need. Third, all countries to exercise restraint and to desist from fueling this conflict, including by ceasing the supply of weapons to the parties.
"Fourth, the release of all civilian hostages. Fifth, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led and owned by Palestinians and Israelis themselves and facilitated by the United Nations.
"Sixth, the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians. Lastly, the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for the perpetration of war crimes."
The president said their thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
