'Israel' recalls its ambassador to South Africa for 'consultations'
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The Israeli Foreign Ministry announces that it has recalled its ambassador in response to the "latest statements from South Africa."
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Pro-Palestinian supporters demonstrate at the entrance to the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP)
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it has recalled its ambassador to South Africa for consultations in response to the "latest statements from South Africa."
South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party declared on Thursday its endorsement of a parliamentary motion advocating for the closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa.
South Africa, highly critical of the Israeli aggression on Gaza against the Palestinian Resistance, has withdrawn its diplomats from "Israel".
South Africa's longstanding support for Palestinians traces back to the days of former President Nelson Mandela, drawing parallels between their struggle and South Africa's fight against apartheid. However, "Israel" rejects this comparison.
"The African National Congress will agree to a parliamentary motion which calls upon the government to close the Israel Embassy in South Africa and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel agrees to a ceasefire," the ANC said in a statement.
The move comes amid the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza, with the ANC and senior officials strongly criticizing "Israel's" actions and calling for an investigation by the International Criminal Court into war crimes.
#Watch | Thousands march in Cape Town, South Africa in solidarity with #Palestine against the Israeli aggression on #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/DQ8MH5lzg4
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 11, 2023
This comes after the South African government announced its decision to summon all of its diplomats from "Israel" as a way to express its apprehension regarding the Gaza situation.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a minister within the President's office, stated during a press conference that all diplomatic personnel stationed in "Tel Aviv" would be recalled to Pretoria for discussions, offering no additional information.
"We are... extremely concerned at the continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories and we believe the nature of the response by "Israel" has become one of collective punishment," Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said during a press conference.
"I don't think that me boycotting these brands would affect them."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 30, 2023
Think again.#PalestineGenocide #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/rGkj8vVwKt
On that note, late last month, a National Day of Action was held in solidarity with Palestine. During the event, protesters continued to urge the South African government to close the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and to implement legislation for a boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign against "Israel".
The Occupy Sea Point demonstration, which was hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), received support from political parties, trade unions, and civil organizations.
