Cyril Ramaphosa Urges ICJ to Rule That Genocide Is Being Committed in Gaza During UN Address
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City
- Ramaphosa touched on the situation in Gaza, reiterating that Israel was committing genocide
- The South African leader also called on UN members to protect the rights of the Palestinian people
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
NEW YORK – Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule that genocide is indeed being committed in Gaza and that it should stop.
The President of the Republic of South Africa made the statement during his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) on 23 September 2025. South Africa has been very vocal about Israel’s actions in Gaza and even opened a case at the ICJ.
What did Ramaphosa say?
During his address, Ramaphosa said it was of great concern that there were countries that continued to violate international law and also defied the UN’s resolutions and rulings, as well as those of the ICJ.
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He stated that members of the UN continued to violate wilfully, without consequence, the charter, which all nations agreed to uphold.
“Therefore, as nations that have pledged to uphold the UN charter, we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure and protect the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa then stated that there was a growing global consensus that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. He noted that the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry also found that Israel was responsible for genocide in Gaza.
“As Palestinians continue to face genocide and famine, we have a duty to act. South Africa has acted in the interest of saving lives by insisting that the ICJ make a ruling that genocide is indeed being committed in Gaza and that it should stop.
“And we stand here to say it must stop.”
The president of South Africa also used his speech to discuss the proposed two-state solution. The solution is pushing for both Palestinian and Israel to be recognised as states, co-existing peacefully.
Ramaphosa said that the decision by numerous countries to accept it was long overdue. He added that it was the responsibility of UN member nations to reaffirm the right of self-determination of the people.
“This is a moment of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine or Israel but for all people who cherish their ideals of freedom and self-determination.”
Other stories related to South Africa and Israel
Briefly News has reported on various stories about South Africa addressing the situation in Israel and Palestine.
- In March 2025, Minister Ronald Lamola said the South African government would continue with its case against Israel.
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it would not be pressured into dropping the case by Donald Trump.
- In July 2025, DIRCO responded to a claim that the goverment was aware of Hamas' attack on Israel before it happened.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
