South Africa tells UN: Israel's actions 'constitute genocide,' calls for decisive action

Ronald Ozie Lamola told the General Assembly that the rights and dignity of Palestinians "cannot be treated as conditional" and said Israel's conduct amounts to grave breaches of international law. In his address he stated that "the state of Israel continued violation of international and humanitarian law constitute genocide" and urged the international community to act decisively to end impunity.

Lamola reiterated South Africa’s support for a two-state solution consistent with UN resolutions and said the international community must restore respect for international law and protect humanitarian personnel. The address included calls for measures to protect civilians and for accountability for violations; the transcript records Lamola’s allegations but does not record a response from other member states in this excerpt.