South Africa Calls on More Nations to Confront Israel’s Actions and Recognise Palestine

South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola urged more countries to recognise a Palestinian state and pressure Israel to stop what he called “genocidal activities” in Gaza. He welcomed support from nations like France and Canada and criticized delayed global action. South Africa had filed a case at the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide. Several countries have since joined the case, and Lamola emphasized the urgency of ending the humanitarian crisis and reaching a ceasefire.

More countries must recognise a Palestinian state and take a firm stand against Israel in order to halt what South Africa describes as its “genocidal activities,” South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said in an interview with AFP on Tuesday. Lamola emphasized the need for collective international pressure, stating that only through united global action can Israel be compelled to change its course and end the devastation unfolding in Gaza.

South Africa has been a vocal critic of Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. In December 2023, Pretoria filed a landmark case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest legal body, accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza. The case argued that Israel’s actions violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which was adopted in the aftermath of World War II to prevent atrocities against civilian populations. Israel has denied the accusations, insisting that its military actions are a response to attacks by Hamas and that it abides by international law.

According to Lamola, recent developments indicate that more countries are beginning to shift their stance. “As some of Israel's allies are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime stopping the genocidal activities,” he stated. He further explained that this growing chorus of dissent not only applies pressure on Israel but also improves the chances of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. “This will also boost efforts to allow humanitarian access to the people of Gaza and to agree to go into a negotiation table to cease the fire,” Lamola added.

He welcomed recent statements and intentions from countries such as France and Canada, which have expressed a willingness to officially recognise a Palestinian state. “We really welcome this development, and we call for more countries to continue to recognise Palestine,” he said. Recognition, Lamola argued, is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic tool to increase diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire and a lasting political solution.

Lamola singled out nations like France, the United Kingdom, and Canada for their declarations of intent to formally recognise Palestine, noting that they plan to do so as early as September. These announcements, coming from countries historically aligned with the United States and Israel, mark a significant shift in international discourse. However, they have also drawn criticism from Washington. According to Lamola, US President Donald Trump was displeased by these announcements, revealing a divide even among traditional Western allies.

Despite this, the South African government remains steadfast in its position. Several countries have since joined South Africa in its legal pursuit at the ICJ, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Türkiye, Chile, and Libya, lending further legitimacy and global weight to the case.

Lamola expressed frustration that the international community did not act sooner when South Africa initially raised the alarm. “Had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, we would not be where we are,” he said. He pointed to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including mounting reports of starvation and displacement. “It’s clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case – that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population,” he stressed.

While he acknowledged that global reactions may have been delayed, Lamola maintained that there is still time to take meaningful action. “It’s rather late, yes, but it’s better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure,” he concluded, urging the international community not to miss this critical opportunity to act on behalf of justice and humanity.