President Cyril Ramaphosa is the latest world leader to back the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) decision which demands an “immediate ceasefire” between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.
This follows the UNSC’s adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) on Monday, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, ending in two weeks.
The United States abstained from the vote, with the 14 other council members all voting in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.
“We must seize the opportunity presented by this Security Council resolution to create a firm foundation for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. We need to stop the carnage and begin walking a path to peace,” said President Ramaphosa in a statement.
READ | SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The recent passing of this resolution marks the first of its kind in the nearly six-month-long war.
Resolution 2728 also notes an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
The Council also demands lifting all barriers to providing humanitarian assistance in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).
The first citizen has since called on the UNSC to ensure compliance with the resolution binding on the parties.
Meanwhile, he said South Africa remains concerned that in over five months since the escalation of the conflict, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As per a Reuters article, at least 32 333 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
“It is, therefore, vital that the parties comply with the Security Council,” the President added. – SAnews.gov.za
