South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned Monday that the Gaza ceasefire risks being “undermined” by continued Israeli attacks. Speaking at the University of Malay in Kuala Lumpur, Ramaphosa said decades of repression have left Gaza’s population facing near-genocide conditions.
He praised Malaysia’s “principled solidarity” with Palestinians and acknowledged the US, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt-brokered ceasefire deal as vital for peace. The agreement includes hostage returns, Palestinian prisoner releases, and the resumption of critical humanitarian aid in the conflict zone.
“We cannot remain indifferent to the slaughter of civilians, forced displacement, starvation, and destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals,” he said. Ramaphosa urged the global community to ensure the ceasefire advances Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution based on 1967 borders.
He commended Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for supporting South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The Hague Group coalition, led by Malaysia, includes South Africa, Colombia, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Namibia, and Senegal, seeking Israeli accountability under international law.
South Africa filed a historic ICJ case in December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza’s war. Between January and May 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures demanding Israel halt military operations and permit humanitarian access into Gaza.
The court extended Israel’s deadline for its formal written defense to March 12, 2026, after multiple extension requests, despite South Africa’s objections. Ramaphosa cautioned that further delays could jeopardize urgency, disrupt procedural balance, and stall international efforts to protect Palestinian civilians.