In a diplomatic escalation, Israel has recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky, ahead of a parliamentary vote in South Africa to determine the future of the Israeli embassy. The move follows heightened tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Israel of war crimes and genocide.
The recall anticipates a South African parliamentary motion, supported by the ruling African National Congress and other parties, seeking to shut down the Israeli embassy and sever ties until a Gaza cease-fire is established. South Africa recently referred what it termed “Israeli genocide” in Gaza to the International Criminal Court, urging the ICC to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israel-Hamas conflict will also be discussed in a virtual meeting of BRICS countries, including leaders like Ramaphosa, Putin, and Xi Jinping. The war, triggered by Hamas attacks on Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
By AFP
