As the Gaza war proceeds, South Africa eyes two-state solution

As Israel’s war in Gaza continues, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to a two-state solution, according to Africanews plus agencies on September 23rd.

Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly summit on Palestinian statehood, Ramaphosa stated: “South Africa reiterates its firm commitment to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state existing peacefully side by side with the state of Israel along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

He condemned Israel for “unleashing disproportionate punishment against the people of Palestine” and emphasised that establishing a Palestinian state remains the only viable solution.

During the summit, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, several countries formally recognised the state of Palestine. France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta joined the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in recognising Palestine. Ramaphosa said the move marked a period of “great significance” for Palestinian and Israeli communities, “and all who cherish the ideals of freedom and self-determination.”

Israel and the US boycotted the gathering, with Israel’s UN ambassador describing it as a “circus.” At a previous two-day UN conference which concluded on July 30th, the then UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is now the deputy prime minister, said: “The Netanyahu government’s rejection of a two-state solution is a mistake! A moral mistake and a strategic error. It harms the interests of the Israeli people and closes the only path to lasting peace.”

All 125 participating delegations at the former conference agreed that a political resolution including both an Israeli state and a Palestinian state is crucial. The conference also addressed broader issues, such as Gaza’s reconstruction and the future economic viability of a Palestinian state, including the possibility of a short-term global stabilisation mission in Gaza.

Notably, on September 12th, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of a resolution for a Palestinian state not governed by Hamas, known as the “New York Declaration.” The declaration, which got a 142-10 vote, called for a two-state solution and was originally drafted in July by France and Saudi Arabia. The text states: “In the context of the end of the war in Gaza, Hamas must cease exercising its authority over the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.”

While the recognition of Palestinian statehood is largely symbolic, it is an indicator of growing international support and renewed diplomatic momentum for a long-delayed resolution. However, practical implementation remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities.