International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has emphasised the urgent need for the international community to take concrete action toward achieving a two-State solution in resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
The Minister was speaking during his address at the United Nations’ High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York, amid escalating violence in Gaza.
Lamola emphasised the context of his call to action by referencing the tragic events of 7 October 2023, when innocent Israeli citizens were killed. However, he stressed that even in the face of such violence, the pursuit of a meaningful resolution must prevail.
“Despite this challenging context in which the international legal and multilateral system has been paralysed and turned into a blunt tool, the focus today on a real path to lasting peace must prevail,” he said on Tuesday.
Highlighting the importance of international action, the Minister denounced the prevailing “might is right” doctrine, which he argued justifies the ongoing violence and attempts to eradicate the Palestinian people.
“This doctrine can no longer be justified. It has led to perpetual insecurity, and it justifies an attempt to eradicate the Palestinian people through killing and starvation,” he asserted.
He also spoke about South Africa’s position, which is that the establishment of a Palestinian state, existing peacefully alongside Israel within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, is paramount.
The Minister reflected on the historical context, citing Resolution 181 from 1947, which provided for the creation of two states amidst a backdrop of colonialism.
“However, the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, guaranteed under international law, has remained elusive for close to 80 years.”
The urgency of the situation was further highlighted by a recent motion passed by the Israeli Knesset, calling for the application of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley.
Lamola expressed concern that such moves “could effectively bury the two-State solution” and continue to violate international law.
He further outlined fundamental principles necessary for restoring credibility to the peace process. He stressed that recognising Palestinian statehood and ensuring the territorial integrity of Palestine are crucial first steps.
Lamola also took the time to praise France’s intentions to recognise the state of Palestine as “an important step towards achieving a two-state solution.”
In addition, he Lamola called for an end to Israeli actions that threaten the very existence of the Palestinian people, describing these as part of a “systematic pattern of injustices and oppression.”
He urged the UN Security Council to act, stating, “These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part.”
Emphasising the role of international law, he called on all states to comply with their collective obligations.
“We all have a duty to preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability.”
He highlighted recent initiatives, such as the Hague Group and the Madrid Group, aimed at promoting international law and accountability.
To facilitate the two-State solution, Lamola outlined several critical steps, including an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and political prisoners, the halt of illegal Israeli settlement expansion, the removal of the illegal separation wall, and the resumption of humanitarian efforts.
“Global attention is on this conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.” – SAnews.gov.za
