South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the international community to act decisively to end what he described as the “genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza,” during his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Speaking before world leaders, Ramaphosa urged nations to unite not only for peace but also to protect the Palestinian population, warning that their very existence is at stake. He emphasised that the viability of a two-state solution hinges on full adherence to international law.
“To achieve this, there must be global recognition of Palestine, an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and political prisoners, full compliance with UN resolutions, an end to illegal settlements and the separation wall, and the restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Ramaphosa stated, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for urgent international intervention.
The South African president also voiced “grave concern” over the acute famine gripping Gaza, calling for unhindered humanitarian access through all possible channels. He stressed that the failure of the global community to safeguard the basic rights of Palestinians would be a “shame to our collective conscience.”
Ramaphosa’s speech underscores growing international alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilian casualties, displacement, and food shortages have reached alarming levels. By framing the crisis as a matter of legal and moral obligation, he pressed the UN and member states to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures to alleviate suffering.
The president’s appeal follows similar calls by other world leaders for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid. South Africa, a longstanding advocate for Palestinian rights, continues to position itself as a vocal proponent of multilateral action to resolve the conflict.
Ramaphosa concluded by reminding the assembly that lasting peace in the region requires both political solutions and respect for human rights, emphasising that global inaction would compromise the moral integrity of the international community.
This address places renewed pressure on the UN and member states to act swiftly to prevent further civilian casualties and restore stability in Gaza.
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