South Africa recalls all its diplomats in Israel for consultations
The South African government decided to recall its diplomats in Israel for consultations against the backdrop of the current situation in the region, according to what the Minister in charge of Presidential Affairs, Khumbudzo Ntshavni, announced on Monday.
“This is a normal procedure taken when the situation is of concern; Diplomats will provide a full briefing on the situation to the government,” Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor explained.
“We are deeply concerned about the continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories and believe that Israel’s response has become collective punishment,” Pandor said.
She added, “We thought it was important to express South Africa’s concern as we continue to call for a comprehensive cessation of the fighting”.
The South African Foreign Ministry also declared the Israeli ambassador to the country, as persona non grata.
