Pretoria, South Africa — The South African government has reiterated its call for international recognition of a Palestinian state and stronger pressure on Israel to end what it calls “genocidal activities” in Gaza.
The appeal was made by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, during an interview with AFP on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Pretoria.
Lamola emphasized that more countries must act decisively by recognizing Palestine, asserting that this will intensify global pressure to achieve a ceasefire and halt the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“Recognition of Palestine by more nations will contribute significantly to ending the bloodshed,” Lamola stated. He added that recent comments from some of Israel’s traditional allies show growing consensus on the need for change.
South Africa had earlier filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, accusing it of genocide following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that ignited the current conflict.
According to Lamola, the ongoing famine and mass displacement in Gaza align with the concerns South Africa raised in its ICJ filing. “The international community’s delayed response has worsened the suffering,” he said.
The Gaza health ministry reports over 60,933 Palestinian deaths since the war began, with humanitarian groups warning of an escalating famine affecting 2.4 million residents.
Lamola also addressed strained relations with the United States, citing interference in South African domestic affairs and the looming imposition of 30% tariffs on exports in the absence of a new trade deal.
“The diplomatic space for mutual respect appears to be narrowing,” Lamola noted, while affirming Pretoria’s efforts to secure a fair agreement.
Despite criticisms from within South Africa’s coalition government over alleged diplomatic missteps, Lamola maintained that “everything possible has been done” to reach a deal with Washington.
Looking ahead to the G20 summit in Johannesburg this November, Lamola encouraged global cooperation under South Africa’s theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
He concluded by affirming the need for collective global action on pressing issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and inequality. “The era of unilateralism is over,” he declared.
By Makinde oyinkansola| August 5, 2025
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