SA withdraws Israel ambassador

The South African government has taken a strong stance against the violence carried out by Israeli armed forces along the Gaza strip.

The South African government has recently recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest against the Israeli attack in the occupied Gaza Strip.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the decision was made following Israel's deadly attack in the Gaza Strip in the middle of May.

“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,” the department said.

The department said the violence in the Gaza Strip will stand in the way of rebuilding Palestinian institutions and infrastructure.

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.

The violence in the Gaza Strip comes in the year of Nelson Mandela Centenary. South Africa’s first democratic President would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

President Mandela was instrumental in resolving many conflicts throughout the world. He was forthright in his condemnation of Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

He was in favour of a negotiated settlement that would see Israeli’s and Palestinian’s living in peace.

He also called for concrete action by world bodies and states with influence to find solutions to the deadlock.

The late former President was resolute in his support of the struggle of the people of Palestine for self-determination. His message that there can be peace, security and friendship in the region has remained the cornerstone of South Africa’s approach in dealing with conflicts.