A majority of South African lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favor of a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the cutting of diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza.
Quick Read
- South African Parliament Votes Against Israel: A majority of South African lawmakers voted in favor of a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and severing diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza.
- President Ramaphosa’s Accusations: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a meeting with BRICS country leaders, accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza through its military offensive.
- Support for Motion: The motion, introduced by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party, received 248 votes in favor and 91 against.
- Israel’s Diplomatic Response: Following the vote and rising tensions, Israel’s foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to South Africa for consultations.
- International Legal Action: South Africa has referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and asked the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- BRICS Countries Meeting: The issue was also discussed in a virtual meeting of BRICS countries, attended by leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Context of the Israel-Hamas War: The conflict began after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, leading to extensive casualties on both sides.
The Associated Press has the story:
South African lawmakers vote in favor of closing Israel’s embassy, cutting diplomatic ties
Newslooks- JOHANNESBURG (AP)
A majority of South African lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favor of a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the cutting of diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza.
The vote on the motion supported by the ruling African National Congress party came as President Cyril Ramaphosa in a meeting with other world leaders accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza with its military offensive in the beseiged territory in search of its Hamas militant rulers.
The motion tabled by the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters received the support of 248 parliament members while 91 lawmakers opposed it.
The vote came after Israel’s foreign ministry said it had recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky, back to Jerusalem “for consultations.”
The two countries’ diplomatic relations have witnessed a rise in tensions over the war in Gaza. Ramaphosa previously said his country believes Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed.
South Africa announced last week that it had referred what it called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza to the International Criminal Court for an investigation. Its cabinet has called on the ICC to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier this month, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel and withdrew all its diplomatic staff.
Ramaphosa’s new comments Tuesday came in a virtual meeting of BRICS countries attended by leaders of the bloc including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Israel-Hamas war began after the Palestinian militant group’s surprise attacks on Israel on Oct.7 killed about 1,200 people. Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza have killed more than 12,700 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
