South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that images from Palestine, including Gaza, reminds him of the apartheid era in his own country.

Iran PressAfrica: In an interview with FRANCE 24, Ramaphosa said that the Israeli actions against the Palestinians evoke memories of the crimes of apartheid committed in South Africa under white rule, adding South Africa stands by the Palestinians.

The 18-minute interview with Ramaphosa began with a question about Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

“We as South Africans, are most concerned because the images that we've been seeing of a people being prevented from moving around; of a people whose homes are being destroyed; of people who have been driven out of their homes before they are bombed; of Israeli soldiers manhandling people, all bring back terrible memories of our own history and apartheid,” said Ramaphosa.

“Our country's support for the people of Palestine is based on principles,” he explained.

Ramaphosa echoed findings by a leading human rights group who have concluded that Israel is guilty of committing the crime of apartheid which is regarded as a crime against humanity under international law.

Last month, a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW), joined a host of other prominent groups to declare that Israel is committing the crimes of apartheid and persecution.

In January, Israeli human rights group B’tselem noted that Israel "promotes and perpetuates Jewish supremacy between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River."

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