Ramaphosa hails Qatari mediation efforts in Gaza crisis

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Qatar's role in mediating the crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. He commended Qatar for defending the position supported by his country, centred on the two-state solution, with Palestine emerging as a fully recognised state alongside the continued existence of Israel.
This came during a press conference held by President Ramaphosa in Doha, where he affirmed that both South Africa and Qatar condemn the ongoing events in Gaza. He highlighted the transformation of Gaza into a detention camp where genocide is taking place, saying that South Africa declared its position of opposing the ongoing operation, especially as it is now targeting hospitals, where children, women, adding that scores of the wounded are dying and that preserving life is no longer a reality, that it is being completely ignored and set aside.
He said that, based on this, South Africa, along with many other countries globally, sees it fitting to refer the actions taken by the Israeli government entirely to the International Criminal Court. He urged various countries to exert pressure on Israel to immediately stop its actions, emphasising the urgent need for a ceasefire to save more lives.
He highlighted the disregard for legal principles, with children being killed, noting that half of the 11,000 people who died in Gaza were children describing it as an unprecedented tragedy globally. He called for the UN Security Council to monitor the situation in Gaza, as it is entirely unacceptable for innocent people to be killed in such a manner, leading to collective punishment and the deaths of many.
He said that his visit to Qatar represented an opportunity to explore ways to expand economic relations between the two countries. There were a number of memorandums of understanding signed to deepen the relationship between South Africa and Qatar.
The president said there was a deep desire of Qatari and South African companies to expand economic relations, citing a strong foundation established between the two governments. The South African president highlighted the presence of South African companies in Qatar, with major companies like Sasol investing strongly in Qatar, along with medium-sized companies such as Nando's and Ocean Basket, among others.
President Ramaphosa considered Qatar an excellent investment destination for South African businessmen, while South Africa is seen as a very fertile investment place for Qatari companies, especially in renewable energy.
He confirmed Qatar's readiness to consider infrastructure projects and various other sectors. (QNA)