IN a significant announcement made on Monday, a senior South African official revealed that the nation’s Cabinet has opted to recall its diplomats in Israel for extensive consultations regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the minister in the Presidency, disclosed the government’s decision at a media briefing, stating, ‘The South African government has decided to withdraw all its diplomats in Tel Aviv for consultation. The recall for consultation is a serious signal that South Africa takes a very dim view of the situation that is permeating in that part of the world.’
Expressing disappointment over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Ntshavheni emphasised the continuous bombing of schools and clinics, as well as the closure of humanitarian passages. This mov
e comes as a direct response to South Africa’s dissatisfaction with the situation and its stance against the actions in that region.
Furthermore, Ntshavheni highlighted concerns over the behaviour of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa. ‘Cabinet has also noted the continuing disparaging remarks of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa about those who are opposing the atrocities and genocide of the Israeli government. The position of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa i
s becoming very untenable,’ Ntshavheni explained.
In light of this, the Cabinet has instructed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to take appropriate measures through diplomatic channels to address the conduct of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa.
‘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 told a later 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].’
This action underscores South Africa’s firm stance against the situation in Gaza and its clear disapproval of Israel’s actions, marking a significant diplomatic move in response to the ongoing crisis.
