The South African government on Monday announced the recall of its ambassador to Israel with immediate effect, in protest against the Israeli attack in the occupied Gaza Strip.
The decision was made following Israel's deadly attack in the Gaza Strip earlier on Monday, the Department of International relations and Cooperation said.
“Given the indiscriminate and grave manner of the latest Israeli attack, the South African government has taken a decision to recall Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect until further notice,” the department said.
The South African government said it condemns - in the strongest terms possible - the latest act of violent aggression carried out by Israeli armed forces along the Gaza border.
Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians who were protesting against the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem. The attack led to the deaths of over 40 people, the injury of many Palestinian citizens and the destruction of property.
“As we have stated on previous occasions, South Africa reiterates its view that the Israeli Defence Force must withdraw from the Gaza Strip and bring to an end the violent and destructive incursions into Palestinian territories.”
South Africa said the violence in the Gaza Strip will stand in the way of rebuilding Palestinian institutions and infrastructure.
The department said the routine actions of the Israeli armed forces present yet another obstacle to a permanent resolution to the conflict, which must come in the form of two states, Palestine and Israel, existing side-by-side and in peace. – SAnews.gov.za
