President Cyril Ramaphosa told a United Nations (UN) meeting that the world is "appalled at the brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza" and condemned settlement expansion in the West Bank, saying Israel’s stated intention to annex the occupied territories worsens the crisis. He reaffirmed South Africa’s support for a contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Calling for momentum behind a negotiated peace, he urged all UN member states to recognise Palestinian statehood and to act in solidarity with its people.

He set out five measures to restore prospects for a two-state solution: global recognition of Palestine’s sovereignty, an immediate ceasefire with the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel, full respect for international law, a halt to illegal settlements with removal of the separation wall, and the restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Ramaphosa warned that UN reports point to acute starvation across Gaza and pressed for unhindered humanitarian access by air, land, and sea. His appeal came in the same week that Canada, the UK, and Australia announced recognition of Palestinian statehood.