South Africa is set to recall all its diplomats from Israel over the Isreal-Hamas conflict. The decision was announced by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a minister in the president’s office.
Ntshavheni stated that all diplomatic staff in Tel Aviv would be asked to return to Pretoria for consultations.
Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor further explained the rationale behind this move during a press conference.
She stated, “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,”
“We felt it important that we do signal the concern of South Africa while continuing to call for a comprehensive cessation (of hostilities).”
Pandor emphasized that South Africa perceives Israel’s response as a form of collective punishment.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has been escalating for about a month since Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the territory on October 7.
The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Additionally, more than 240 individuals have been taken hostage by Hamas.
In response, Israel has extensively bombed Gaza and deployed ground troops. According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 9,700 people have been killed in the area, with the majority being civilians.
South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress party often relating it to their own struggle against apartheid.
Pandor clarified that recalling diplomats is a regular practice and that the envoys will provide a comprehensive briefing on the situation to the government.
