The South African government has withdrawn its diplomats from Israel in reaction to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
This was announced on Monday by the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following a recent cabinet meeting.
"Cabinet is disappointed by the refusal of the Israeli government to respect international law and the United Nations resolutions with impunity. The South African government has decided to withdraw all its diplomats in Tel Aviv for consultation," she said.
Ntshavheni said humanitarian corridors to Gaza remain closed due to the attacks on Gaza by the Israeli military, with the death toll rising to more than 9,500.
According to News24, South Africa currently does not have a functioning embassy in Israel and only maintains a liaison office following a decision several years ago to close the embassy in protest against Israeli government policies and actions in Palestine.
Meanwhile, Minister Ntshavheni said the cabinet has also noted what she said was the continuing disparaging remarks by the Israeli ambassador, Eliav Belotsercovsky, to South Africa towards those opposing the atrocities and genocide of the Israeli government.
"The position of the ambassador of Israel in South Africa is becoming very untenable. Cabinet has decided to instruct Dirco to take (the) necessary measures within the diplomatic channels and protocols to deal with the conduct of the ambassador of Israel to South Africa," she said.
