At a high-level United Nations conference dedicated to advancing peace in the Middle East, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola strongly reiterated his country’s commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
Lamola began by unequivocally condemning the events of October 7, where innocent Israeli civilians were killed. However, he stressed that sustainable peace requires addressing the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians.
“Firstly, all states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected,” he said, welcoming France’s intention to recognize Palestine as a pivotal step toward this goal.
The minister further stated that peace remains impossible while Palestinians face continued displacement and violence. He accused Israel of “continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank,” calling these acts part of a larger, long-standing pattern of oppression.
In his address, Lamola outlined several urgent steps needed to restore faith in the two-state framework and ensure accountability under international law:
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An immediate ceasefire and renewed commitment to the peace process
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Release of hostages held by Hamas and political prisoners held by Israel
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A complete halt to illegal Israeli settlement expansion
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Dismantling of the illegal separation wall across occupied Palestinian territories
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Resumption of reputable humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza
“These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part,” Lamola urged.
To promote legal accountability and a rules-based international order, South Africa welcomed the establishment of two new initiatives—the Hague Group and the Madrid Group—aimed at reinforcing international law and pressuring for a just peace settlement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Lamola’s position, emphasizing:
“The only realistic, just, and sustainable solution is two States – Israel and Palestine – living side-by-side in peace and security, within secure and recognised borders.”
As global momentum builds for concrete action, South Africa’s call for urgent, irreversible steps has injected renewed urgency into a long-stalled peace process—seeking not only to preserve the two-state solution but to finally make it a reality.
