30 July 2025
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has delivered a poignant statement at the high-level international conference at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, aimed at spearheading practical measures toward achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Lamola said South Africa continues to condemn the horrific events of October 7, where innocent Israeli citizens were killed.
In a reaffirmation of its anti-war stance, South Africa outlined key principles necessary to restore the credibility of the two-state solution.
“Firstly, all states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected. In this regard, South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the state of Palestine by France as an important step towards achieving a two-State solution,” Lamola said.
“Secondly, there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel’s continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank. This is part of a systematic pattern of injustices and oppression of Palestinians since the adoption of Resolution 181 and the subsequent Nakba in 1948. These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part.
“Thirdly, preserving the viability of the two-state solution must include promoting safeguards such as the full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and human rights law. It is necessary for the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations and the provisional measures, as well as Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice,” Lamola continued.
The minister said all states, not just Israel, must follow their collective obligations under international law. They all must preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability.
Source:iol
