South Africa’s parliament has voted to recommend the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel commits to negotiations facilitated by the UN.
The country has long been highly critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
It is not clear whether the government will act on the recommendation, which is non-binding. However, all MPs from the ruling African National Congress supported the motion.
South Africa, along with Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti, has submitted a referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate whether war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Gaza.
Israel has recalled its ambassador in South Africa “for consultations”, Israel’s foreign ministry said on Monday. (BBC)
