Ramaphosa calls for ceasefire after ICJ historic ruling

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the UN top court ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in the strip. He says South Africa has been vindicated by the International Court of Justice judgement delivered on Friday.

According to the Independent Online, the president said the landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday proved that South Africa had made the correct decision to take up the case.

ALSO READ: Pandor: Isreal allies must put pressure to implement ICJ judgment

MORE CONCERTED EFFORT TOWARDS A CEASEFIRE: RAMAPHOSA

“We firmly believe that following this judgment, there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire, and negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution to enable Israel and Palestine to live side-by-side as independent states,” said Ramaphosa.

“We welcome the measures that the court ordered by majority decision, ruling that Israel’s military should not commit acts of genocide against Palestinians. Israel should take all measures to prevent and punish incitement to genocide,” he said.

ALSO READ: South Africa celebrates UN’s top court ruling

ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU HITS BACK

Ramaphosa said essential services and humanitarian assistance were urgently required in Gaza, and Israel should abide by the court judgment and submit a report within a month on all measures taken.

Meanwhile, SABC News reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given his reaction to the ruling, saying Israel will continue to defend itself and its citizens while adhering to international law. He said the charge of genocide leveled against Israel was false and outrageous.

ALSO READ: Genocide Case: ICJ order on provisional measures to be delivered Friday

‘VILE ATTEMPTS TO DENY ISRAEL FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS’

“Israel’s commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people. Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself.”

ALSO READ: El Al Israel Airlines to terminate South Africa flights

“The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected. The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it,” Netanyahu said.