South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire will not halt his country’s pursuit of justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),where Israel faces allegations of genocide.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (14 Oct),Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the case it filed in December 2023,stating: “The peace deal that has been struck,which we welcome,will have no bearing on the case that is before the Court of Justice,” adding that “The case is proceeding,and … Israel has to respond to our pleadings … by January of next year.” The U.S.-backed peace agreement,signed in Sharm el-Sheikh days ago,includes a ceasefire and mutual hostage exchanges. However,it does not address deeper issues such as the blockade of Gaza or long-term accountability.
Ramaphosa emphasized that genuine healing cannot occur without justice: “Our struggle against apartheid taught us that peace without justice is fragile and false. The Palestinian people deserve not just a ceasefire,but freedom,dignity,and self-determination.” South Africa’s case has already prompted three provisional measures from the ICJ,ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and allow humanitarian aid. Yet,according to Ramaphosa,Israel has largely failed to comply. The case is expected to enter oral hearings in 2027,with a final judgment likely in 2028. Meanwhile,South Africa continues to lead global legal and diplomatic efforts through “The Hague Group” to hold Israel accountable. “The world must stand with the people of Palestine until they enjoy the same freedom and dignity that all nations deserve,” Ramaphosa concluded.
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