South Africa announces withdrawal of its diplomats from Israel
The withdrawal of the diplomats was "common practice", argued Pandor. The envoys should provide the South African government with a "full report" on the situation. The government in Pretoria would then decide whether to help or whether a "relationship can be maintained", said the Foreign Minister and called for a "cessation of hostilities".
Hundreds of fighters from Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel on October 7 and, according to Israeli figures, killed around 1,400 people, most of them civilians. More than 240 others were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip.
Israel then declared war on Hamas and took the Gaza Strip under constant fire. According to Hamas figures that cannot be independently verified, almost 10,000 people have been killed so far.
South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinians, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often comparing them to its own struggle against apartheid.
The withdrawal of South African diplomats from Israel could be seen as a response to the ongoing Gaza war, given South Africa's strong support for the Palestinians. The lack of diplomatic presence might hinder potential deductions or negotiations between South Africa and Israel regarding the conflict.
Source: www.ntv.de
