South African Parliament decides to sever diplomatic relations with Israel
South Africa's parliament has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Israel (Photo: Getty Images)
The proposal to close the Israeli embassy and cut diplomatic ties between South Africa and Israel was approved by 248 MPs, while 91 MPs opposed it, according to ENCA.
The measures taken will reportedly remain in effect until Israel agrees to a ceasefire and participates in peace talks with UN involvement.
The parliament openly acknowledges that the decision is advisory and no specific steps have been outlined to restore diplomatic relations.
What preceded it
Additionally, on November 20, Israel recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Eli Belotserkovsky. The Israeli authorities stated that the ambassador's work was suspended for consultations related to South Africa's recent statements about Hamas' invasion of Israel.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip, branding the situation in the enclave as "genocide."
Previously, South Africa recalled diplomats from Israel to evaluate its relationship with the country due to the increasing number of civilian casualties resulting from the war with Hamas.
