Arms exports are not a neutral act – they never have been. They have the potential to perpetuate a conflict and potentially contribute to violations of international law. The situation in Gaza exemplifies the horrendous impact that arms such as bombs and rockets can have on civilians.
Cognisant of the threat deriving from arms exports, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in his opening remarks at the Cairo Summit for Peace on October 21, 2023, on the Palestine situation: “We, therefore, call on all parties to exercise restraint and on all state actors to desist from providing weapons to either of the sides to the conflict.”
South Africa’s stance in the Palestine situation, calling for a cessation of arms transfers and standing for the protection of
