South Africa recalls diplomats from Tel Aviv and issues warning to Israel's envoy
- In Reports
- 03:06 PM, Nov 07, 2023
- Myind Staff
South Africa has taken diplomatic action in response to the ongoing airstrikes in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip by recalling all its diplomats from Israel. The decision was announced during a media briefing by Minister of the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following discussions within the South African Cabinet.
This move is a strong expression of condemnation from South Africa in response to the continuous bombing of essential facilities such as schools and clinics in Gaza. The closure of borders for humanitarian aid to reach the people in Gaza has also been a point of concern for the South African government.
As a part of these measures, South Africa has also raised the possibility of taking action against the Israeli Ambassador stationed in the country. This action underscores the nation's stance against the violence and its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. South Africa's decision to recall its diplomats and consider actions against the Israeli Ambassador reflects the gravity of the situation and its deep concern for the well-being of those affected by the conflict.
"A genocide under the watch of the international community cannot be tolerated. The Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation. Another holocaust in the history of humankind is not acceptable," Ntshavheni said.
She confirmed that the South African government has opted to recall all its diplomats in Tel Aviv "for consultation." She added, “The Cabinet is disappointed by the refusal of the Israeli government to respect international law and its continued undermining of the United Nations resolutions for the implementation of a ceasefire with impunity.”
Mandela stressed the linkage between South Africa's freedom from white minority rule and the freedom of Palestinians. South Africa is also unhappy about comments from the Israeli Ambassador, Eliav Belotsercovsky.
"The position of the Israeli ambassador in South Africa is becoming very untenable. The cabinet has decided to instruct the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to take the necessary measures within the diplomatic channels and protocols to deal with the conduct of the ambassador of Israel to South Africa,” Ntshavheni said.
"The disparaging remarks against those (South Africans who are) speaking up against the atrocities and the country’s leaders make Ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky's position more and more untenable,” the minister said.
The South African government's choice to recall all remaining South African diplomats from Israel has been positively received by the human rights NGO Africa4Palestine (A4P). "In the last month, communities across South Africa as well as political parties, (including the ruling ANC, and most opposition parties) have all come out in unison against Israel's attacks on the Palestinian people. The move today by the South African government is a reflection of the South African peoples' support for the Palestinians, for human rights, and for international law,” said A4P representative Tisetso Magama.
South Africa has recently aligned itself with several countries, such as Colombia, Turkey, Bahrain, Honduras, Bolivia, Chad, and others, who have undertaken similar diplomatic actions within the past week to express their opposition to Israel's attacks on Gaza.
"South Africa, together with these countries, are on the right side of history. More countries of conscience should follow,” Magama said.
Image source: Reuters
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