South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s support for a two‑state solution to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict amid the ongoing violence in Gaza. Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly summit co‑chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, he stressed that a contiguous Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, must exist alongside Israel. Ramaphosa argued that such a solution is essential for peace and self‑determination in the region and warned that Israel’s actions have resulted in “disproportionate punishment” of the Palestinian people, heightening the urgency of establishing a Palestinian state.
The summit sought to revive backing for the two‑state framework, which has long underpinned international efforts to resolve the conflict. Ramaphosa praised the recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg and Malta, noting that these announcements signal growing international support for Palestinian self‑determination. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the impact on the ground may be limited given the entrenched positions of Israel and the United States, both of which oppose Palestinian statehood. The Israeli ambassador to the UN dismissed the summit as a “circus,” and Israel and the United States boycotted the gathering.
Ramaphosa called for the removal of obstacles to a two‑state solution, including halting illegal Israeli settlements and dismantling the separation wall. While challenges remain, the recent recognitions represent a notable moment in the pursuit of peace. The international community’s renewed focus comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, underscoring the need for a lasting resolution to achieve regional stability. As more countries recognize Palestinian statehood, the diplomatic landscape may shift, paving the way for a more comprehensive and sustainable solution.
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