South Africa’s Deputy President Advocates for Gaza Ceasefire and Peace Negotiations
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile calls for an end to violence in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and support for the Palestinian cause. He underscores South Africa’s actions at the ICJ and its commitment to peaceful negotiation, while also addressing potential investments in Africa during discussions in Japan.
In a recent address at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile expressed the country’s desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that the killing of innocent individuals must cease. He reiterated South Africa’s long-standing support for the Palestinian people and its advocacy for a two-state solution, promoting peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
Mashatile highlighted South Africa’s actions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which resulted in an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to alleged genocide against Palestinians. He stated, “When we took the case to the ICJ, it was on the basis that we want to protect life.” The Deputy President firmly stated that the killing of children and women in Gaza is intolerable, which motivated their approach to the court.
Furthermore, Mashatile expressed hope for an end to hostilities, stating, “We would like to see Israel and Palestine resolve their issue.” He called for a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations and concentrate on development. He also articulated South Africa’s non-aligned stance, denying any bias in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and asserting the need for diplomatic solutions, including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming visit to South Africa.
He reflected on South Africa’s struggle during apartheid, citing lessons from figures like Nelson Mandela on conflict resolution through negotiation. Mashatile was in Japan to discuss investment opportunities in Africa, facilitated by the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). He noted the prospective advantages of the African continental free trade area and South Africa’s G20 presidency aimed at prioritizing African development.
In conclusion, Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s statements reinforce South Africa’s commitment to advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. His remarks reflect the nation’s historical dedication to conflict resolution through negotiation, drawing parallels to its own past. Furthermore, South Africa’s emphasis on investment opportunities in the context of the G20 presidency underscores its aspirations for African development on the global stage.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
