Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, has called for the urgent cessation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Lamola was addressing the 61st annual meeting of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) in Bali.
The most recent uptick in violence has been ongoing for about 10 days and follows a long standing conflict whose origins can be traced to the proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948.
“At the outset, we wish to express our condolences to all victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The atrocities committed against civilian populations are causing great concern, and we urgently call for an immediate cessation of violence from all parties involved.
“Our primary concern is the urgent humanitarian assistance those affected require, and we implore that all basic life-supporting necessities be provided to alleviate their suffering,” he said.
Lamola warned that delays in resolving the deadly conflict have “led to an unending cycle of unspeakable atrocities and human rights violations”.
SA’s foreign policy
Lamola told the meeting that “supporting Palestinian nationhood” has been a part of government’s foreign policy since the dawn of democracy.
“South Africa’s foreign policy aims to promote a viable and sustainable peace plan for the Middle East, wherein Palestine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic viability are secured, and there is sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel.
“As a matter of international law, the principle of self-determination for the Palestinian people is widely recognised and enshrined in various international covenants, instruments, and the United Nations Charter.
“South Africa’s policy position on the Israeli-Palestine conflict aligns with the Oslo Accords, the Roadmap, and the Arab Plan 2002, recognising the two-State option as the only viable solution,” he said.
The Minister called on members of AALCO to work together to find a “permanent solution to the conflict, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters”.
“As global citizens, we envision a world where every nation adheres to international law and collaborates to promote peaceful coexistence. Achieving this noble goal requires collective effort from all of us.
“As members of the international community, we have a responsibility to take action whenever we observe any violations of international law or impediments to peace. However, we cannot attain this objective alone. We must work in unison and extend support to each other,” Lamola said.
