At the conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which comprises 120 states seeking to maintain independence from major power blocs, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, denounced the war in Gaza and demanded the implementation of a two-state solution.

The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that over 24,400 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives, while the United Nations expresses concern that a quarter of the 2.3 million people trapped in Gaza are facing starvation. In Israel, approximately 1,200 people were killed during a Hamas attack on October 7 that ignited the conflict and resulted in the capture of around 250 hostages by militants.

Mahamat, addressing the heads of state present at the week-long gathering in Kampala, called upon the 120-member nations to seek international justice for the Palestinians. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments, demanding the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks for a just solution that would alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.

South Africa has escalated their response by filing a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, and they have appealed to the United Nations' highest court to order an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza. President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of this action in order to prevent further irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.

The conference began with a call from the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Rayid Mansour, urging NAM member states to exert pressure on Israel to implement a ceasefire in Gaza after 100 days of conflict with Hamas. Mansour lamented the failure to achieve a ceasefire, despite resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Comparing Israel's military assault on Gaza to the apartheid system that once prevailed in South Africa, Mansour drew attention to the alleged similarities. However, Israel denies such allegations.

As the international community continues to debate and seek an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza, the condemnations from African leaders add to the growing calls for peace and justice in the region. The plight of the Palestinian people remains at the forefront of discussions, underscoring the urgency for a resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.