The ruling political party in South Africa, African National Congress –ANC party had on Thursday, November 16, said that it would support a parliamentary motion seeking for the Israeli embassy in South Africa to be shut down.
The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters –EFF will propose the motion later on today (Thursday). They’re also calling for the adjournment of all diplomatic relations with Israel in support of the Palestinian people amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
South Africa’s strong backing for Palestinians dates back to the ex- President, Nelson Mandela’s days, with the country comparing their plight to its own before the end of apartheid in 1994.
Israel has rejected the comparison however.
ANC had said in a statement:
“The African National Congress will consent to a parliamentary motion which calls upon the [South African] government to shut down the Israel Embassy in South Africa and postpone all diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel agrees to a ceasefire.”
As at the time of making this report at 6:00pm (GMT +1), the Israeli embassy had not immediately responded to a request to comment on the ANC’s remarks and the parliamentary debate.
Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas that governs Gaza have been at war for over a month after militants charged through southern Israel on October 7 in a retaliatory attack. Israel has enforced a severe blockade of Gaza and conducted an aerial bombardment and armoured ground attack.
The ANC leader, Ramaphosa and senior foreign ministry officials have been outspoken in their criticism of Israel’s leadership during its military campaign against Hamas, urging the International Criminal Court (ICC( to probe them for likely war crimes.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, South Africa recalled its diplomats from Israel.
