Leaders of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries have denounced Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire there, during the annual summit of the 120-member bloc, Reuters reports.

“Since Oct 7 we have witnessed one of the cruellest genocidal acts ever to be recorded by history,” Cuba’s vice president, Salvador Valdes Mesa, said in a speech to delegates.

“How can the Western countries, who claim to be so civilised, justify the murder of women and children in Gaza, the indiscriminate bombings of hospitals and schools and deprivation of access to safe water and food?” he said.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union commission, called for an immediate end to what he called the “unjust war against the Palestinian people.”

Speaking at the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the conflict in Gaza had demonstrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, where the United States has vetoed several resolutions critical of Israel.

“We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” said Ramaphosa.