South Africa to recall all diplomats from 'Israel' amid Gaza genocide
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South Africa's Foreign Minister expresses extreme concern at the "continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories."
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Women and children wounded in Israeli airstrike at Baptist Al-Ahli Hospital, waiting to be treated at Al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, on October 17, 2023 (AP)
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 response by Israel has become one of collective punishment," Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said during a press conference.
"We felt it important that we do signal the concern of South Africa while continuing to call for a comprehensive cessation (of hostilities)," Pandor added.
Pretoria has consistently expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause, frequently drawing parallels between this cause and the ANC's own historical fight against apartheid.
Pandor explained that the recall of the diplomats is a routine procedure, adding the diplomats will provide a "full briefing" on the situation to the government, which will then decide whether it can be of assistance or if a "continued relationship is actually able to be sustained."
This comes one day after South Africa once again called upon the Israeli occupation to fulfill its obligations under international law and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians amid the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip.
The South African Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, expressing deep concern and urging Israeli occupation to adhere to the principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law.
"South Africa calls on Israel once again to adhere to its obligations under international law and protect civilians as required under the Geneva Conventions and under International Humanitarian Law," the Ministry said in the statement.
"It is not only foreign nationals who must be allowed to freely exit the Gaza Strip in a timely manner, but it is a war crime for Israel to directly target Palestinian civilians in hospitals, ambulances, schools, apartment buildings, and in their private cars," the Ministry added.
Furthermore, South Africa urged the international community to condemn Israeli threats regarding potential strikes on Al-Shifa and Al-Quds Hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
