South Africa’s Deputy President Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Peaceful Negotiations

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the killing of innocents. He reaffirms support for the Palestinian cause and highlights legal actions against Israel. He emphasizes neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and advocates for increased investment in Africa during discussions in Japan.

In a recent address at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile voiced his nation’s strong desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that the killing of innocents is intolerable. He reaffirmed South Africa’s longstanding support for Palestinian independence and the two-state solution, envisioning a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

Mashatile highlighted South Africa’s actions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including proceedings that resulted in an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on genocide charges against Palestinians. He stated, “When we took the case to the ICJ, it was on the basis that we want to protect life. The killing of children, innocent children and women in Gaza is something that should not be tolerated.”

The Deputy President further emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiations between Israel and Palestine to resolve their conflicts. He expressed hope for a durable ceasefire and stated, “We will be happy when that happens. And let’s make sure that the killings stop, that people can negotiate, and that they focus on development.”

Mashatile asserted South Africa’s commitment to neutrality regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, commenting on misconceptions about the nation’s stance. “We are not taking sides in Ukraine,” he declared, underscoring efforts to promote peaceful negotiations.

He announced an upcoming visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to South Africa, aiming to foster peace efforts. Citing the resolution of South Africa’s own challenges under apartheid, he said, “We resolved our challenges under apartheid… by negotiations… and we managed to agree on a peaceful resolution of our conflict.”

During his visit to Japan, Mashatile also engaged with Japanese officials regarding investments in Africa, fostering dialogue facilitated by the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). He emphasized that South Africa’s G20 presidency will prioritize African development, stating, “Our intention during this presidency is placing Africa’s development at the top of the agenda.”

Mashatile highlighted the necessity for G20 frameworks to be sensitive to the needs of developing economies in Africa and to advance the global south’s aspirations.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to end the killing of innocent civilians. He reaffirmed South Africa’s support for Palestinian autonomy and discussed the country’s legal action against Israel for genocide. Concurrently, he addressed neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and emphasized investment in Africa during discussions with Japanese officials. Mashatile’s commitment to peace and development underscores South Africa’s leadership role on the international stage.

Original Source: www.arabnews.jp