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The African Union, Somalia, and South Africa have welcomed the recently brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, calling for its full implementation and a sustainable path toward lasting peace in the region.
African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed appreciation for the diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in facilitating the truce. Mahamat stressed the importance of justice and peace prevailing for the Palestinian people, urging all parties to honor the agreement and avoid further escalation.
South Africa, which previously took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza, highlighted the critical importance of adhering to international law. The South African Foreign Ministry released a statement emphasizing that the ceasefire agreement is a “crucial first step” in ending the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the 2.3 million residents of Gaza. The ministry cited the ICJ’s previous provisional measures, which deemed the situation in Gaza as plausibly genocidal.
South Africa further called for the establishment of a “just and lasting peace” that guarantees the protection of human rights for both Palestinians and Israelis. The statement emphasized that Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld, stressing that no land should be annexed in either Gaza or the West Bank after the ceasefire takes effect. South Africa also condemned illegal settlement expansions, calling for their immediate halt.
The ICJ case, filed by South Africa, accused Israel of committing acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza. The provisional rulings from the top UN court have urged Israel to take measures to prevent further harm to the Palestinian population. South Africa reiterated its stance, urging Israel as the occupying power to adhere strictly to these international rulings and ensure compliance with humanitarian law.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also praised the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in facilitating the ceasefire. Mohamud underlined the importance of sustaining the ceasefire and called on the international community to expedite humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of alleviating civilian suffering.
In his official statement, Mohamud stressed the need for continued diplomatic efforts to stabilize the ceasefire and ensure the rapid delivery of aid. Somalia reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a comprehensive peace solution based on the two-state principle and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
The ceasefire, announced by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, is set to take effect this Sunday. The agreement follows months of devastating conflict that has led to the deaths and injuries of over 156,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, with thousands still missing under the rubble.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has left entire communities devastated, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. More than 11,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, while the widespread destruction of infrastructure has exacerbated the already dire conditions.
The African Union, South Africa, and Somalia have all expressed hope that this ceasefire will serve as a foundation for a permanent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Calls for justice, adherence to international law, and respect for human rights have been central to their responses.
Global diplomatic efforts have intensified, with pressure mounting on Israel to comply with international rulings and ensure humanitarian access to Gaza. Human rights organizations have also urged global powers to support long-term peace efforts and prevent further hostilities in the region.