South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that the recently announced peace agreement on Gaza will not affect his country’s ongoing case against the Israeli occupation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasizing that Pretoria remains firmly committed to holding Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people.

Speaking at a press briefing in the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said that while his government welcomes the initial phase of the peace agreement — which includes a ceasefire and a mutual exchange of prisoners — the ICJ proceedings will continue independently.

“The case is ongoing, and we have reached the stage where Israel must respond to our submissions. They are required to do so by January next year,” Ramaphosa told reporters.

“While the progress toward peace is encouraging, true justice for the Palestinian people must still be achieved,” he added.

In December 2023, South Africa filed a landmark case at the ICJ accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and requested provisional measures to halt its attacks on civilians. In January and March 2024, the Court issued temporary orders obligating Israel to ensure the delivery of food, water, and humanitarian aid to Gaza and to prevent acts of genocide.

However, according to Ramaphosa, Israel continues to violate most of these orders. “Despite the Court’s clear directives, Israel’s actions on the ground show a disregard for international law and human rights,” he said, stressing that Pretoria cannot pressure the ICJ to expedite its final judgment.

“Nonetheless,” Ramaphosa continued, “international efforts through the Hague Group and within the United Nations system remain ongoing to uphold international law and protect the Palestinian people from further atrocities.”

Ramaphosa reaffirmed that his administration’s pursuit of justice for Palestinians is not merely symbolic but rooted in the principles of human rights, decolonization, and rule of law that shaped South Africa’s own liberation struggle.

“We cannot speak of healing without justice,” the president declared.“The world must stand with the people of Palestine until they enjoy the same freedom and dignity that all nations deserve.”

He underscored that the ICJ process is part of a broader moral and legal responsibility shared by the global community to end decades of oppression and occupation. “South Africa, alongside like-minded nations, will continue to use every legal and diplomatic channel available to ensure that those responsible for crimes in Gaza are held to account,” Ramaphosa added.

The ICJ proceedings — now entering a new stage where Israel must formally respond — could take years before a final judgment is issued. Yet analysts argue that the case itself has already reshaped international discourse, forcing governments and global institutions to confront the realities of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The peace agreement, brokered earlier this month, includes an initial ceasefire and mutual release of prisoners, but does not yet address core issues such as the lifting of the blockade, withdrawal of occupation forces, or reconstruction of Gaza — matters central to South Africa’s legal and diplomatic position.

Ramaphosa concluded his remarks by reiterating South Africa’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause:“Our struggle against apartheid taught us that peace without justice is fragile and false. The Palestinian people deserve not just a ceasefire, but freedom, dignity, and self-determination.” (ILKHA)