South Africa's ANC supports motion to shut down Israeli embassy
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South Africa's longstanding support for Palestinians traces back to the days of former President Nelson Mandela.
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Pro-Palestinian supporters demonstrate at the entrance to the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, on Oct. 20, 2023 (AP)
The ANC in South Africa announced its support for a parliamentary motion to close the Israeli embassy in the country and suspend all diplomatic relations with "Israel."
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will present the motion on Thursday, advocating for the suspension of all diplomatic ties with "Israel" to express solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
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.
فلسطين
— Honourable Media Africa ™️ (@HonourableMedia) November 16, 2023
"The Crime of Genocide Sadly Looms Large in Gaza.Murder of Children and Women by Israel should result in ICC issuing immediate Arrest Warrant for Key Decision Makers including Mr.Netanyahu"- Dr.Naledi Pandor:South Africa’s MFA.#Gaza Palestine 🇵🇸 #غزة #FreePalestine غزة pic.twitter.com/zMJ3CFe06z
The move comes amid the Israeli-led genocide on Gaza, with the ANC and senior officials strongly criticizing "Israel's" actions and calling for an investigation into war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
The EFF's motion holds mainly symbolic value, with the decision to implement it resting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.
However, both Ramaphosa and senior foreign ministry officials from the ANC have openly criticized "Israel's" leadership for war crimes during its genocidal campaign on the civilian population of Gaza.
Ramaphosa, during a state visit to Qatar on Wednesday, reiterated South Africa's opposition to "Israel's" actions in Gaza, especially concerning its targeting of hospitals.
Earlier this month, South Africa recalled its diplomats from "Israel".
