South Africa has taken a strong stance against the bombardment of the Gaza Strip by recalling its ambassador and diplomatic mission to Israel. The government has condemned the actions as a “genocide” and has threatened action against the Israeli ambassador to South Africa for his recent remarks on the country’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
The war began after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,400 deaths. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced the recall of all diplomats in Tel Aviv for consultation, stating that the cabinet had taken note of the Israeli ambassador’s “disparaging remarks” about those opposing the Israeli government’s actions. The department of international relations has been instructed to address his conduct through diplomatic channels and protocols. Ntshavheni also deemed the position of the Israeli ambassador in South Africa as “untenable.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been calling on the South African government to expel the Israeli ambassador, and demonstrations have been held outside the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg and Israeli embassies in Pretoria and Cape Town.
International relations minister Naledi Pandor, who recently hosted her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, explained that the South African officials would be recalled from Tel Aviv to provide the government with a detailed briefing on the situation in the region. Pandor expressed deep concern over the killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territory, condemning Israel’s response as collective punishment.
Pandor also mentioned discussions with Ukraine about strengthening bilateral ties and the potential for a peace plan proposed by African leaders who visited Moscow and Kyiv earlier this year. South Africa prides itself on being one of the few countries capable of engaging with both Ukraine and Russia.
The South African government, led by the African National Congress party, which has close ties to Palestine, has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and for aid to be allowed into the bombarded enclave. Other countries, including Chile, Colombia, Honduras, and Bolivia, have also recalled their ambassadors to Israel in protest of the military operations in Gaza. In response, Israel criticized the Latin American countries and called on Colombia and Chile to explicitly condemn the Hamas terrorist organization.
