THOUSANDS of South Africans took to the streets of Cape Town on Saturday, participating in a mass protest against Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, which have claimed the lives of over 11,000 victims. Organised by various civil society groups, the demonstration drew individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags and brandishing banners expressing solidarity with the Palestinians, passionately called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The protest saw a collective demand for decisive action against Israel’s military offensive.
Prominent figures, including Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, and ANC Member of Parliament Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, joined the march. Both leaders called upon the South African government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel and, notably, to close the Israeli Embassy i
n Pretoria.
This protest follows South Africa’s recent decision to recall its entire diplomatic staff from Tel Aviv for consultations in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. In a further diplomatic move, the Foreign Ministry summoned Israeli Ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky over allegations of disparaging remarks concerning those who speak out against attacks on Palestinians.
The Foreign Ministry emphasised that Ambassador Belotsercovsky is expected to conduct himself in accordance with the Vienna Conventions, respecting the host nation’s sovereign decisions. The summoning of the Israeli Ambassador underscores South Africa’s commitment to upholding diplomatic norms and addressing alleged misconduct.
South African citizens have consistently expressed their discontent through more than a dozen protests since the Israel-Palestine armed conflict began on Octo
ber 7. The Cape Town march stands as a powerful demonstration of solidarity, urging global attention and diplomatic action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
