Gaza war: South Africa hails UN resolution on Gaza
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa has hailed Monday’s UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza despite Israel’s response that suggested it would change nothing in its conduct of the war.
The United States has previously vetoed three draft resolutions on Gaza, but on Monday it abstained which allowed Resolution 2728 to take on the force of international law.
It calls for “an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire” and also “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa is pleased that the council has, “at long last, demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire" and called on the Council to ensure it is enforced.
Meanwhile, the leader of the SA Parliamentary delegation, Sylvia Lucas, on Monday addressed the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), advocating for the inclusion of its critical motion as an emergency item.
The motion's aim was to address the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and underscore the importance of international action in response to the situation.
Lucas highlighted the dire circumstances in Gaza, emphasising the need for immediate and comprehensive international attention.
The South African parliamentary proposal, entitled “Raising awareness of the International Court of Justice provisional measures for Israel in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, and of the need for urgent action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” called for urgent measures by international Parliaments.
The measures included raising global awareness, facilitating the release of hostages, providing humanitarian aid, preventing violations of international law, fostering dialogue and negotiations, and supporting the two-state solution.
Lucas underscored the crucial role of the ICJ's judgment and provisional measures for Israel in providing a legal and diplomatic framework for resolving the conflict and its humanitarian fallout.
The South African Parliament's proposed motion did not secure the necessary two-thirds majority, falling short by 12 votes with a total of 904 out of the required 916.
-0- PANA CU/MA 26March2024
