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South Africa: Recalls diplomats from Israel
NIAS Africa Studies Daily Briefs | 7 November 2023

IN BRIEF

By Anu Maria Joseph

South Africa: Recalls diplomats from Israel

On 7 November, BBC Africa reported on South Africa recalling all of its diplomats to Israel following the Israel-Gaza war. The South African Minister of Foreign Affairs stated: "We are... extremely concerned at the continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories and we believe the nature of response by Israel has become one of collective punishment. We felt it important that we do signal the concern of South Africa while continuing to call for a comprehensive cessation [of hostilities]." Meanwhile, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs responded: "Israel expects South Africa to condemn Hamas, which is worse than Isis, and to respect Israel's right to defend itself against an attack by a horrific terrorist organisation that has engraved on its flag a call for the destruction of the State of Israel.” (“South Africa recalls all diplomats from Israel,” BBC, 7 November 2023)

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