Media Statement
25 March 2024
South Africa welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution Demanding an immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
South Africa has welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 25 March 2024, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Responding to the adoption of the Resolution, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor said, “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.
It is now the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties.
South Africa remains concerned that in the over five months, since the conflict began, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As Resolution 2728 notes, there is an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
It is therefore vital that the parties comply with the Security Council, “demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023)”.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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