South Africa has once again taken a bold stand on the international stage, urging the global community to formally recognize the State of Palestine and take immediate action to halt what it describes as an ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a press briefing, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the growing global outrage, even among Israel’s traditional allies, suggests that momentum is building to confront the atrocities unfolding in Gaza.

“We urge more countries around the world to recognise the State of Palestine,” Lamola declared. “Recognition would increase political and legal pressure on Israel to end its crimes.”

South Africa has played a leading role in international efforts to hold Israel accountable for its military campaign in Gaza. In December 2023, Pretoria filed a historic case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of committing genocide—a move that has triggered worldwide attention and mounting diplomatic repercussions.

Since the filing, countries including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya have ramped up support for the Palestinian cause. Notably, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada are now reportedly preparing to formally recognise the State of Palestine in September, calling on other Western governments to follow suit.

Lamola’s remarks come as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 60,000, with more than 2.4 million Palestinians facing imminent famine, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and humanitarian aid agencies.

“We warned the world this would happen,” Lamola said. “Signs of famine are already visible. If action had been taken earlier, the humanitarian catastrophe could have been avoided.”

Humanitarian organizations continue to issue urgent appeals for food, medicine, and safe humanitarian corridors, while condemning the continued blockade and bombardment of the densely populated territory.

Lamola also addressed deteriorating diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Washington, revealing that relations have reached a new low in the wake of South Africa’s legal action against Israel.

He accused the United States of interfering in South Africa’s internal affairs, and condemned remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that white South Africans face racial discrimination—a statement widely criticized as divisive and factually inaccurate.

The U.S. under Trump has also imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports, the highest such rate imposed on any country in Sub-Saharan Africa. The tariffs are expected to take effect this Friday, further straining economic relations.

Despite the tension, Lamola confirmed that President Trump is still invited to attend the G20 Summit, which will be hosted by South Africa in November. Trump had previously indicated that he may skip the event, but no final decision has been announced.

Pretoria’s leadership on the Palestinian issue and its challenge to global power dynamics are increasingly positioning it as a moral and diplomatic voice on the world stage, reminiscent of its historic anti-apartheid struggle.

Observers note that South Africa’s clear, assertive foreign policy stands in contrast to the hesitant and often contradictory responses from many Western governments.

As famine threatens millions in Gaza and civilian casualties mount daily, South Africa’s call for international recognition of Palestine may yet mark a pivotal moment in reshaping global consensus on justice for the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)