SA offers to help mediate in Israeli-Palestinian conflict

SA is ready to help mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing on its experience at conflict resolution, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.

Ramaphosa also called for the immediate and unconditional opening of “humanitarian corridors” in the Middle East so that aid can get to people who urgently need it, in the wake of days of Israeli air strikes on Gazan targets in retribution for a weekend attack by Hamas militants.

“We remain gravely concerned at the devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed against civilian populations. We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the exercise of restraint,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

“SA stands ready to work with the international community and to share our experience in mediation and conflict resolution as we have done on the continent and around the world.”

Support

He urged the international community to accelerate its support for an inclusive process towards a lasting and durable peace that produces a viable Palestinian state, existing in peace alongside Israel, within the 1967 internationally recognised borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Last Saturday, a Palestinian militant group stormed into Israeli towns, leaving dozens dead and abducting others during a major Jewish holiday. 

The attack caused Israel to respond with multiple strikes and operations in Gaza. 

The death toll stands at about 1,200, with more than 338,000 people having had to flee their homes in Gaza, according to reports. 

Earlier this week, the ANC called for peace in the Gaza Strip, describing Palestine’s reality as a replica of apartheid South Africa.

Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, Israel is a blatant apartheid state that methodically imposes privilege on Jewish Israelis' behalf and discriminates against Palestinians.

Reuters, with TimesLIVE