President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked for the fighting to stop in the Middle East. He along with other world leaders, over the weekend attended the Cairo Summit for Peace. He was invited by the Egyptian President, Ab-del Fattah El-Sisi.
Following his visit to Egypt, he appealed to the international community to do more to enable the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The President said more energy and focus must be directed at supporting the resumption of the peace process.
“Influential countries like the United States of America, have a duty and a responsibility to support processes that will deliver a long-lasting and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” he added.
He also addressed the international community and said they cannot afford to squander the opportunity that has been presented by the current conflict to decisively push for a two-state solution.
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He elaborated, “There is unanimity across the globe that peace is viable when a free and independent state of Palestine exists alongside a secure state of Israel”.
Earlier, the President decried the escalation of the conflict. He has asked those supplying arms to either side, to immediately stop the provision of weapons as it undermines the promise of peace.
He also reiterated that the fighting must end. He said Israel must stop its siege and shelling of Gaza.
Furthermore, he added, “Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. Hostages must be returned.”
Collectively he called on the world, to discourage any action that could fuel the conflict and threaten to engulf the entire region.
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He concluded, “Humanitarian corridors must be opened to alleviate human suffering.”
The President also expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for convening the summit. He said it marked the beginning of many efforts that will rally the Israelis and Palestinians and the world behind a concerted attempt aimed at finding peace in the Middle East.
