South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Accuses Israel of War Crimes and Acts Tantamount to Genocide in Gaza

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused Israel of war crimes and acts tantamount to genocide in Gaza during a virtual meeting of leaders of developing countries. Ramaphosa also condemned Hamas for its attack on Israeli civilians that sparked the war in Gaza and said both sides were guilty of violating international law.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused Israel of war crimes and acts tantamount to genocide in Gaza during a virtual meeting of leaders of developing countries, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping. Ramaphosa also condemned Hamas for its attack on Israeli civilians that sparked the war in Gaza and said both sides were guilty of violating international law.

Ramaphosa: Israel's Actions in Gaza Amount to War Crimes and Genocide

Ramaphosa said that the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war crime. He added that the deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food, and water to the residents of Gaza is tantamount to genocide. Ramaphosa also called for the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for what he termed war crimes on both sides.

Putin and Xi Strike More Cautious Notes

Putin and Xi struck more cautious notes, calling for a cease-fire and the release of civilian hostages but not launching the same level of criticism of either side as Ramaphosa. Putin said there was a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and it was shocking to watch how surgeries are performed on children without anesthesia. He again blamed the crisis on what he called failed diplomacy by the United States.

India, a Long-Standing Supporter of the Palestinians, Walks a Tightrope

India, which also wants to be seen as a leader of the developing world, has long walked a tightrope between Israel and the Palestinians and historically has close ties to both. In the meeting, India called for a cease-fire and expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

South Africa Votes to Shut Down Israeli Embassy

Later Tuesday, a large majority of South African lawmakers voted in favor of a motion to shut down the Israeli Embassy and cut diplomatic ties with Israel until it agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel had recalled its ambassador for consultations before the vote took place.

Ramaphosa's strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza reflects the growing international pressure on Israel to end the violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The meeting of BRICS leaders also highlighted the divisions within the international community on the issue, with some countries, like Russia and China, taking a more cautious approach and others, like South Africa, being more critical of Israel.