South Africa's president: No justice until Palestinian people free from occupation

South Africa’s president urged world leaders Thursday to spare no effort in finding a just, lasting and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue based on internationally agreed parameters enshrined in the relevant UN resolutions. 

“The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination has been raised in this General Assembly for almost as long as this body has been in existence,” Cyril Ramaphosa said in his address during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

Ramaphosa said he was raising the issue again, not because he is bound by practice or habit to do so, but because he resolutely believes that there shall be no peace and no justice until the Palestinian people are free from occupation and are able to exercise the rights for which the United Nations stands.

He said world leaders have a responsibility to find a just and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.