New york: International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has called for the international community to take immediate and concrete actions to achieve a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at the United Nations' High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York, Lamola highlighted the pressing need for peace amidst the increasing violence in Gaza.
According to South African Government News Agency, Lamola referenced the tragic events of 7 October 2023, where innocent Israeli citizens lost their lives, emphasizing that efforts toward a meaningful resolution must continue despite the violence. He condemned the notion that the current international legal system is ineffective and stressed the importance of a real path to lasting peace.
Lamola criticized the 'might is right' doctrine, which he argued perpetuates violence and attempts to eradicate the Palestinian people through violence and deprivation. He advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a crucial step towards peace.
Reflecting on history, Lamola mentioned Resolution 181 from 1947, which aimed to create two states, but noted that the Palestinian right to self-determination remains unfulfilled. Recent developments, like the Israeli Knesset's motion to extend sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and Jordan Valley, threaten the viability of a two-state solution, he warned.
The Minister outlined key principles to restore peace process credibility, including recognizing Palestinian statehood and ensuring its territorial integrity. He praised France's intention to recognize Palestine as a positive step towards a two-state solution and called for an end to actions that pose existential threats to Palestinians.
Lamola urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action to protect the Palestinian people and emphasized global compliance with international law. He highlighted initiatives like the Hague Group and the Madrid Group that promote international law and accountability.
To achieve a two-state solution, Lamola proposed several steps: enforcing an immediate ceasefire, releasing hostages and political prisoners, halting illegal Israeli settlement expansion, dismantling the separation wall, and resuming humanitarian aid. He underscored the global focus on the conference and the expectation for an effective response to ensure a viable Palestinian State coexists peacefully with Israel.