South Africa has welcomed Monday’s adoption by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the month of Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan this year runs from March 10 to April 9.
UNSC Resolution 2728 (2024), which was put forward by the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, also demands the unconditional release of hostages and “the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance” into Gaza.
Responding to the adoption of the resolution, South Africa’s International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor said the Security Council should “ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties.”
“South Africa is pleased that the Security Council has, at long last, demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire for the month of Ramadan and the resolution must also proposed that this ceasefire should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire,” Pandor said.
She said South Africa remained concerned that thousands have lost their lives – including over 13,000 children – since the conflict started in October 2023.
South Africa earlier this year took Israel to the International Criminal Court over alleged genocidal acts during Tel Aviv’s indiscriminate assault on civilian populations in the Gaza Strip.
JN/APA