South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the killing of innocents. He stresses historical support for Palestine and denounces violence against civilians. Mashatile also emphasizes South Africa’s non-aligned stance regarding the Ukraine conflict, asserting a commitment to peace and negotiation for conflict resolution.
Paul Mashatile, the Deputy President of South Africa, recently stated his government’s desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the violence against innocent civilians. Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, he emphasized South Africa’s historical support for Palestine and its advocacy for a peaceful two-state solution, where both Israel and Palestine coexist harmoniously.
Mashatile highlighted South Africa’s legal actions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which resulted in an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of genocide towards Palestinians. He asserted, “The killing of children, innocent children, and women in Gaza is something that should not be tolerated. And that’s the reason why we approached the court.”
Moreover, Mashatile expressed hope for a resolution between Israel and Palestine, advocating for a cessation of hostilities. He stated, “We would like to see Israel and Palestine resolve their issue… Let’s make sure that the killings stop so that people can negotiate and focus on development.”
On the topic of the war in Ukraine, Mashatile clarified that South Africa maintains a non-aligned stance, asserting that the country aims to foster peace without taking sides. “When our president went to Ukraine, it was to encourage both sides to seek peaceful solutions through negotiations,” he remarked.
He indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit South Africa soon, which Mashatile believes will contribute positively to the peace process. “When we resolved our challenges in South Africa under apartheid… we negotiated. People thought we couldn’t do it, but we managed to agree on a peaceful resolution of our conflict,” he added.
In conclusion, Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa has articulated the country’s strong stance on the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully. His remarks reinforce South Africa’s commitment to peace and development, both in the context of Gaza and on the global stage, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Through diplomatic efforts, including the anticipated visit of Ukraine’s President, South Africa seeks to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
