South Africa has welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy Month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.
The resolution also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution was voted by 14 council members, while the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, abstained from the vote.
There was applause and sigh of relief in the chambers after the vote, marking the first time the council called for a ceasefire since the ‘war between Hamas and Israel began in October last year.
“South Africa is pleased that the Security Council has, at long last, demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire for the month of Ramadan and the resolution must also propose that this ceasefire should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.
“It is now the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties,” said the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor
The Minister added that South Africa remains concerned that in the over five months, since the conflict began, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
She expressed hope that much needed humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter Gaza.
“As Resolution 2728 notes, there is an urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip.
“It is therefore vital that the parties comply with the Security Council demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023),” explained the Minister.
Meanwhile, The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, welcomed the resolution but said it was long overdue.
“It has taken six months, over 100,000 Palestinians killed and maimed, two million displaced, and famine, for this council to finally demand an immediate ceasefire. A vote for humanity to prevail, for life to prevail.
“The Palestinians Gaza pleaded and appealed. Shouted, cried, cursed, prayed, defied the odds to survive time and time again,” said Mansour.
Meanwhile, in light of the change in the US position, the Israeli Prime Minister has cancelled a delegation by two of his top senior advisors to Washington, who were expected to convince the US to allow it to continue with its total onslaught in Rafah.
