Image Source: Polity
World – During his official visit to Dublin, President Cyril Ramaphosa commended Ireland for its principled and unwavering stance on the war in Gaza, saying the world must unite to end Israel’s “genocide against the Palestinian people.”
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Ramaphosa said South Africa drew inspiration from Ireland’s moral clarity and courage in recognising the State of Palestine.
He noted that both nations shared a deep history of struggle against oppression and a commitment to global justice.
The President stressed that Ireland’s recognition of Palestine represented a vital contribution toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. He said South Africa welcomed every step taken by the international community to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing actions in Gaza.
“South Africa commends Ireland for its consistent, principled position on Israel’s war on Gaza,” President Ramaphosa said.
“There is a growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that the world must unite to end the conflict. We are encouraged by Ireland’s decision to recognise the Palestinian State as a vital part of a just and enduring peace.”
Ramaphosa emphasised that diplomacy and negotiation remained the only sustainable path to peace. He urged global leaders to prioritise humanitarian aid and international cooperation to end civilian suffering in conflict zones.
“The pursuit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy is now more essential than ever,” he said. “We continue to emphasise the importance of achieving peace in all conflicts through negotiation rather than force.”
More Israeli Aggression on Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla’s
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) confirmed that three humanitarian boats — Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najajr, and Anas Al-Sharif — were attacked and illegally intercepted by the Israeli military approximately 120 nautical miles (220km) from Gaza.
According to the groups, the unarmed crew aboard the vessels included doctors, journalists, and elected officials. They were reportedly abducted along with over $110,000 worth of vital medical and nutritional supplies destined for Gaza’s hospitals. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
“Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard these ships,” said David Heap of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition Steering Committee.
“This seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the ICJ’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. Our volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalised for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade. Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately.”
The statement further noted that the assault followed several earlier incidents, including the illegal seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, Handala, and Madleen, as well as an Israeli drone attack on the vessel Conscience in European waters, which left it disabled and burning.
Human rights advocates said these repeated attacks on unarmed aid missions showed Israel’s growing disregard for international law and the global community’s inability to enforce accountability for violations against humanitarian workers.
