JOHANNESBURG — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, urging the international community to take urgent and concrete actions towards resolving the conflict.

According to South African Government News Agency, speaking at the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of invited BRICS members, President Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s position on the situation in the Middle East. The virtual meeting, held on Tuesday, saw the participation of leaders from BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China – and invited leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. President Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s advocacy for an immediate ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, restraint from all countries including the cessation of weapon supplies, the release of civilian hostages, and the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led by Palestinians and Israelis, facilitated by the United Nations. Additionally, he proposed the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa called on the International Criminal Court to initiate prosecutions against those responsible for war crimes. He highlighted South Africa’s understanding of the importance of international solidarity, stressing that BRICS, as a significant voice of the Global South, has a crucial role in achieving a just and lasting peace. President Ramaphosa concluded by emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address this historical injustice and work towards a peaceful and secure future for both Palestine and Israel.