The South African Government has noted the filing of Israel's response to South Africa’s written pleadings in the case of Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) be ...
South Africa expresses deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf
South Africa expresses deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf, arising from the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran across the region, and the ongoing attacks by Israel on Leba ...
Israeli Chargé d’Affaires declared Persona Non Grata
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has informed the Government of the State of Israel of its decision to declare Mr Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata. This decisive measure follows a s ...
South Africa reaffirms commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability
South Africa has noted with concern the recent announcement by the State of Israel recognising Somaliland as an independent state. The recognition constitutes a violation of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a ...
South Africa condemns Israel’s flagrant violation of the latest ceasefire agreement
The South African Government notes with grave concern that the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered immediate “powerful strikes” on Gaza, claiming that Hamas had violated the truce deal. The air strikes have already killed over 10 ...
The ICJ’s findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations
South Africa welcomes the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 22 October 2025 on Israel’s obligations as a United Nations Member State and as an occupying Power, with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Co ...
South Africa welcomes the first phase of the peace plan between Israel and Hamas
The South African Government welcomes the announcement of a peace plan between Hamas and Israel, paving the way for ending the war on Gaza and bringing about durable peace. South Africa urges all parties to commit to the steps agreed upon during negoti ...
Statement by Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to the Meeting of the Joint Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Wednesday, 10 September 2025, Cape Town
South Africa vs Israel case at the ICJ Chairpersons of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable members of both Committees, Thank you for pr ...
South Africa condemns the illegal and unprovoked attack carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in Doha, Qatar
The South African Government unequivocally condemns the illegal and unprovoked attack carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in Doha, Qatar, which targeted a civilian building in a residential area, which purportedly housed members of the Political Bure ...
South Africa condemns Israeli attacks on Damascus and its announcement that it will continue to occupy Southern Syria
South Africa strongly condemns Israel’s latest attacks on the Syrian capital Damascus, on 16 July 2025, on the Syrian Ministry of Defence and air strikes near the Presidential Palace, which are a flagrant violation of the country’s territorial integrity a ...
South Africa urges dialogue to end Israel-Iran conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Government have noted with a great deal of anxiety the entry by the United States of America into the Israel-Iran war. It was South Africa’s sincerest hope that President Donald Trump would use his influe ...
South Africa condemns targeting of civilians, urges de-escalation between Iran and Israel
South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran. We extend our deepest condolences to the peoples of both nations suffering from the tragic loss of life. South Africa ...
South Africa condemns Israeli attacks on Iran
South Africa expresses profound concern regarding the attacks conducted by Israel on targets within Iran on 13 June 2025, including reported impacts on military areas, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure. Reports of civilian casualties, alongs ...
Killing of Palestinians near aid distribution site in Gaza: South Africa outraged and calls for accountability
South Africa is gravely alarmed by reports confirming that at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured today, 1 June 2025, near an aid distribution point in Rafah, Southern Gaza. Eyewitnesses and medical personnel attest that Israeli forc ...
South Africa condemns the massacre of 143 Palestinians on 15 May 2025, the denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the destruction of hospitals and clinics
South Africa condemns the killing of 143 Gazans by the Israel Defence Force on 15 May 2025, as Palestinians commemorated the 77th anniversary of Nakba Day, which marks the beginning of the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. The Head of UNICEF, Cathe ...
South Africa condemns the bombing of hospitals in Gaza, and the brutal massacres of humanitarian workers and journalists
South Africa condemns the continuous bombing of civilian targets in Gaza, the most recent being the missile strike by Israel forces on the al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza on Sunday, 13 April, forcing the evacuation of dozens of wounded people, and leaving G ...
South Africa condemns Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, breaching the two-month ceasefire
South Africa condemns the massive Israeli airstrikes launched across Gaza on Tuesday, which have killed over 350 Palestinians. These deadly airstrikes emerge after a failure to implement the second stage of the peace agreement by Israel and despite ongoin ...
South Africa condemns Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza and its ongoing military operations in the West Bank
South Africa strongly condemns the refusal of Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and its closure of border crossings at a time when the people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently need food, shelter and medical su ...
Remarks by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, High-Level Summit of Foreign Ministers convened by Progressive International, “A United Foreign Policy Response to Israel’s Violations of International Law,” The Hague, 31 January 2025
Her Excellency Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausuab, Excellencies, Representatives of Progressive International, I would like to thank the organisers of this event, which marks a major step by States from the Global South to work collectively towards j ...
South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas
South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of Israel’s genocidal onslaught on Gaza after Hamas and other armed groups launched an attack on Israel. South Africa calls for the implementation of a just ...
Cease-fire deal between Israel and Lebanon
The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the brokered cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on 27 November 2024. This vital act of de-escalation underscores the supremacy of diplomacy and significantly mitigates t ...