South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated his country’s unwavering support and solidarity with the Palestinian people during his address at the opening of the 2025 parliamentary session in Cape Town.

In his speech, the president emphasized that South Africa stands firmly by Palestinians who continue to endure immense suffering due to decades of what he described as an illegal occupation.

Ramaphosa highlighted that in line with South Africa’s obligations under the Genocide Convention, the government has taken a definitive step by filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This legal action is intended to draw international attention to what South Africa asserts are ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli regime in occupied Palestine.

During his address, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s full commitment to the principles of the United Nations, stressing the importance of resolving international disputes through peaceful means. “Our country remains dedicated to upholding human rights and international law. We believe that justice for the Palestinian people is not only a moral imperative but also a responsibility under our obligations,” he stated.

South Africa has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights on the global stage. The recent filing at the ICJ represents a continuation of its longstanding efforts to bring international scrutiny to the plight of the Palestinian people and to hold the Israeli government accountable for alleged abuses in the occupied territories.

The move has drawn international attention, with observers noting that South Africa’s legal action is part of a broader campaign to ensure that human rights are respected and that peaceful solutions are sought in resolving long-standing conflicts in the Middle East.

As the parliamentary session gets underway, President Ramaphosa’s remarks signal a resolute commitment by South Africa to advocate for justice and to work with the international community to address the challenges faced by the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)