Ramaphosa Attacks Israel and USA over Gaza and Iran War
New Delhi…President Cyril Ramaphosa used the BRICS summit stage in India to deliver a sharp condemnation of what he called the “ongoing genocide against the Palestinians” and the “illegal war against Iran,” demanding accountability for atrocities committed by Israel and its allies.
Addressing the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, Ramaphosa warned that international law was being applied selectively and that the credibility of the United Nations was at stake.
“To give strength to the law, there must be accountability for atrocities: for the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians, for the crimes committed against the people of Sudan, and for the illegal war against Iran.”
“International law cannot be applied selectively: the same principles must apply to all states and the same protections must apply to all peoples.”
“We must exert pressure and expose violations whenever, and by whomever, they are committed.”
• South Africa’s ICJ case: Ramaphosa linked his remarks to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, filed in December 2023.
• Iran war: The BRICS summit came amid the broader global economic effects of the US-Iran conflict, which has fuelled an energy crisis and raised concerns about trade and inflation.
• New Delhi Declaration: The final declaration reflected several South African positions, including noting Israel’s legal obligation to ensure humanitarian aid in Gaza and condemning violations of international humanitarian law.
The declaration notably refrained from directly naming the US over its strikes on Iran, instead expressing “deep concern” over escalating tensions and calling for “maximum restraint.” Israel, however, was named in passages concerning Gaza and Lebanon.
Ramaphosa’s intervention was seen as cementing South Africa’s role as a leading voice within BRICS for accountability and UN reform.
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