IN a strongly-worded statement during a special session of the BRICS nations, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Israel of violating international law, committing war crimes, and perpetrating genocide in the Gaza Strip. Ramaphosa emphasised that these actions by Israel were in clear violation of the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention, along with its protocols.
Addressing the virtual meeting, which included leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Ramaphosa highlighted that the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians by Israel’s unlawful use of force amounted to a war crime. He further asserted that the deliberate denial of essential supplies, such as medicine, fuel, food, and water to Gaza residents, equated to genocide.
The South African leader underscored the root cause of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns illegal Israeli settlements as a ‘flagrant violation under international law.’
Expressing the urgent need for international intervention, Ramaphosa called for an immediate and comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. Additionally, he urged the International Criminal Court to initiate prosecution procedures against those responsible for the alleged war crimes.
The meeting also included leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, the latter set to join BRICS next year. Ramaphosa’s statements come amid an escalation of hostilities, with Israel launching relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip in response to a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7.
As of Monday, authorities in Gaza reported a staggering death toll exceeding 13,300, including 5,600 children, 3,550 women, and 201 medical staff, since the commencement of Israeli attacks on October 7. Meanwhile, the official Israeli death toll stands at approximately 1,200.
