South Africa
Pretoria – The South African government has welcomed recent steps towards a ceasefire and peace in Gaza and the wider region, seeing them as a chance to ease deep human suffering and build trust. In a statement on Saturday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) praised Hamas’ decision to release all Israeli hostages and its openness to more talks. “We welcome the decision by Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and its stated readiness for further engagement.
This decision must be met with reciprocal action by the State of Israel,” DIRCO said. The department stressed that such mutual steps could help calm tensions and restore faith, marking a key moment to respect human dignity and lay groundwork for lasting peace. South Africa also pushed for the quick release of Palestinian political prisoners, including children, and those taken from aid ships. The statement made clear that true peace cannot come from denying a people’s basic rights, calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and a political process to achieve Palestinian self-determination and statehood, in line with UN resolutions. Guided by international law, South Africa stands ready to back genuine, inclusive efforts for a peaceful end.
This response fits South Africa’s long-held support for Palestine, including its ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The developments tie into US President Donald Trump’s new Gaza peace plan, which has sparked Hamas’ agreement to free hostages. As global eyes watch for progress, South Africa’s call for balance highlights the need for fair actions from both sides to break the cycle of violence.
DIRCO’s Statement on Hostage Release and Reciprocity
DIRCO’s full statement hailed the potential of these moves to lessen suffering and foster confidence. It urged Israel to match Hamas’ pledge with its own gestures, like freeing detainees. “Such reciprocal measures will be a confidence building measure for de-escalation and the restoration of trust. They represent a critical opportunity to uphold universal human dignity and build a foundation for a just and durable peace,” the department noted.
South Africa stressed addressing root causes, saying, “We urge all parties to transcend this cycle of confrontation and address the root causes of the conflict. This necessitates an immediate and permanent ceasefire, alongside a definitive political process that realizes the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self- determination and statehood. This is in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.”
The country offered its help, stating, “Guided by a commitment to a rules-based international order founded on international law, South Africa stands ready to support all genuine inclusive efforts aimed at achieving this definitive and peaceful resolution.”
Context of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
The positive reaction follows Hamas’ announcement on Friday, 3 October 2025, agreeing to Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan. The plan calls for an immediate halt to fighting and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages within 72 hours, along with the remains of deceased hostages. In return, Israel would release 620 Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of 15 deceased Gazans for every Israeli remains returned.
Hamas confirmed it would “immediately” enter talks to free all hostages, alive or dead, if field conditions allow. This came after Trump’s call for Israel to stop bombing Gaza, amid ongoing negotiations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the move, encouraged by Hamas’ willingness to engage.
Netanyahu expressed hope for announcing the full release of remaining hostages – around 48, with about 20 believed alive – within three days under the plan. The developments have raised cautious optimism, though challenges remain in implementation.
South Africa’s Stance on the Conflict
South Africa’s position aligns with its history of backing Palestine, viewing the struggle through the lens of its own apartheid past. The government has led efforts at the ICJ, securing orders for Israel to halt operations in Rafah and ensure aid flows. DIRCO’s emphasis on Palestinian rights echoes UN resolutions like 242 and 338, calling for a two-state solution.
The statement also addresses the humanitarian crisis, with over 42,000 Palestinian deaths reported since October 2023, and Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. South Africa has condemned the blockade and use of starvation tactics, urging global action for relief.
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