South Africa’s ruling party announced on Thursday its intention to endorse a parliamentary motion to halt diplomatic ties with Israel until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed support for calls advocating the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria as a form of protest against the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory.
“We cannot sit back and watch the genocidal actions of the Israeli regime,” said ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
“The African National Congress will agree to a parliamentary motion which calls upon the government to close the Israel embassy in South Africa and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel.”
Earlier this month, South Africa withdrew all its diplomats from Israel.
Conflict has intensified in Gaza following an unprecedented attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7. Authorities report casualties of 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, with 239 individuals taken hostage.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, over 11,500 individuals, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives in Israel’s air and ground offensive.
Pretoria has consistently voiced strong support for the Palestinian cause, with the ANC, the party of the late President Nelson Mandela, frequently drawing parallels between this cause and its own historical fight against apartheid.
The parliamentary motion, up for discussion on Thursday, was proposed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party known for its radical leftist stance.
It is not binding and will need government approval to be implemented.
