South African President Ramaphosa Offers to Mediate Middle East Conflict

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed willingness to mediate in the Middle East conflict during remarks at an energy conference in Cape Town, stating that South Africa is always ready to play a contributing role. Ramaphosa called for an immediate ceasefire and said negotiations should be the primary mechanism for ending the conflict. The diplomatic overture comes despite strained relations between South Africa and Israel, stemming from South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. South Africa is also working to assist its citizens stranded in the region as the conflict escalates.