What You Need To Know:
On Monday, South Africa’s government announced it was recalling its ambassador and diplomatic mission from Israel in response of the bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which they have labeled as a “genocide.”
Additionally, the government issued a warning to the Israeli ambassador in South Africa in response to recent remarks concerning the country’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Details:
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, rallying near the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg and Israeli embassies in Pretoria and Cape Town, urged the South African government to expel the Israeli ambassador.
As of now, there has been no immediate comment from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The ruling African National Congress party, which has close ties to Palestine, leads the South African government. They have called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the affected area.
South Africa now joins several other countries in recalling their ambassadors from Israel in protest of the military operations in Gaza. These countries include Chile, Colombia, and Honduras. Furthermore, Bolivia has severed diplomatic ties with Israel.