Two State Solution | President Cyril Ramaphosa takes to the podium

UN Summit on Two-State Solution

• 💡 France and Saudi Arabia hosted a one-day summit at the UN General Assembly, primarily focused on Israel's war on Gaza and the elusive two-state solution.
• ⚠️ World leaders convened amid warnings that a contiguous Palestinian state could "vanish altogether" due to Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

International Support for Palestine

• 🌍 France is expected to announce official recognition of a Palestinian state, with Belgium considering similar action.
• 🤝 This follows the recognition of Palestinian statehood by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, despite opposition from Israel and the United States.

President Ramaphosa's Address

• 🗣️ President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa condemned the October 7th attacks by Hamas but also criticized Israel's disproportionate punishment against Palestinians.
• 🔑 He affirmed support for a contiguous Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Path to a Lasting Solution

• ✅ The viability of a two-state solution relies on full respect for international law by all states, including Israel.
• 🎯 Ramaphosa called for global recognition of Palestine, an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and prisoners, respect for UN resolutions, removal of illegal settlements and the separation wall, and restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
• 🤝 He welcomed the groundswell of support from 142 nations for the establishment of a Palestinian state, urging the international community to act in unison for a just and lasting solution.