South Africa: SA Welcomes Adoption of the UNSC Resolution On Gaza Ceasefire

South Africa has expressed its support for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

This comes after the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the UNSC on Monday, which demands an "immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks.

While the United States of America abstained from the vote, the 14 other council members all voted in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.

"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 propose that this ceasefire should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire," said International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.

"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," said the Minister in a statement on Monday.

Pandor said South Africa remains concerned that in the over five months since the conflict began, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.

READ | SA stands by decision to file lawsuit against Israel

Resolution 2728 also notes 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," the Minister added.

The Council also demanded 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)".

Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, tweeted: "The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable."

Guterres also called for the fight in Gaza to end now.

"The hostages must be released now. And we must not lose sight of the big picture. A lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-State solution."

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.