President Cyril Ramaphosa: High-Level on Two-State Solution

Statement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa through the High-Level on Two-State Solution, UN General Assembly, New York, USA

Co-Chairs,
Excellencies,

Thank you for convening this significant assembly.

This is a matter of nice significance, not just for the folks of Palestine, not just for the folks of Israel, however for all individuals who cherish the beliefs of freedom and self-determination.

Shortly after the United Nations was created, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, which really useful the creation of two states, Israel and Palestine.

Immediately following the adoption of this decision, solely the State of Israel was created, ushering the Palestinians right into a decades-long wilderness of statelessness characterised by a long time of occupation and now genocide.

The High-Level International Conference has clearly proven that the worldwide majority is dedicated to peace within the Middle East and helps the lengthy overdue creation and recognition of the sovereign State of Palestine.

South Africa reiterates its agency dedication to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian State current peacefully and aspect by aspect with the State of Israel, alongside the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The international majority ought to proceed to pursue this supreme regardless of efforts by Israel to make the institution of a Palestinian state virtually inconceivable.

The world is appalled on the brutal acts of genocide and grave conflict crimes dedicated by Israel in Gaza, geared toward eradicating the Palestinians from that slim strip of land, and the unlawful growth of settlements within the West Bank.

The state of affairs has been made worse by Israel’s acknowledged intention to annex the whole lot of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The viability of a two-state answer is determined by full and common respect for worldwide legislation.

It requires the instant and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, in addition to the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.

All states, together with the State of Israel, should adjust to our collective obligations below worldwide legislation.

The institution of the Hague Group and the latest assembly of the Madrid Group to raise the primacy of worldwide legislation, promote accountability and guarantee a simply peace are welcome developments.

As the UN marks its eightieth anniversary, we name on all Member States to recognise Palestinian statehood and act in solidarity with its folks.

To restore the prospects of a two-state answer, we name for:

firstly, international recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity;

secondly, a direct ceasefire, an finish to the genocide and the discharge of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel;

thirdly, full respect for worldwide legislation, together with UN resolutions and opinions and choices of the International Court of Justice;

fourthly, removing of obstacles to the two-state answer, together with a halt to unlawful settlements and removing of the separation wall; and

lastly, restoration of humanitarian assist and reconstruction in Gaza.

We are gravely involved by UN reviews stating that every one areas of Gaza have reached acute hunger ranges and that the residents are going through famine.

South Africa joins requires unhindered and expanded humanitarian entry, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to permit for very important assist and primary providers to achieve these residing in Gaza.

This is a battle that has raged for nearly so long as the United Nations has existed.

It can be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights proceed to be denied to the Palestinian folks.

We belief that the sensible measures and necessities outlined within the end result doc of the International Conference will present essential momentum in the direction of reaching lasting peace.

The worldwide group should act now and in unison.

It should act not solely within the pursuits of worldwide peace and safety, but in addition to guard folks whose very existence is now below menace.

We welcome the demonstrable groundswell of assist for the institution of the much-awaited State of Palestine.

We should now work collectively to realize a simply, peaceable and lasting answer.

I thanks.

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