Gaza peace deal doesn’t affect South Africa’s genocide case against Israel: Video
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the recent peace deal in Gaza but made it clear that it will not halt South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Ramaphosa stressed that while the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges are positive steps, they cannot substitute justice for the Palestinian people.
“The peace deal… will have no bearing on the case that is before the International Court of Justice,” he said. “Israel must respond to our pleadings by January next year. The court will then set a date for evidence to be presented,” he added.
South Africa launched the case in late 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its military operations in Gaza. According to Ramaphosa, accountability remains essential despite diplomatic progress.
“We cannot go forward without the healing that needs to take place,” he said, noting reports of over 67,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Ramaphosa welcomed the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners as a “confidence-building measure,” saying it should strengthen the ceasefire and open the door to renewed peace negotiations.
However, he insisted the ultimate goal must remain clear:
“Real peace means Palestine as an independent state, living side by side with Israel, both enjoying sovereignty and self-determination. That is what international law demands.”
So far, 20 living Hamas hostages have been exchanged for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under phase one of the peace deal.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
