The South African Parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of a motion calling for the closure of Israel’s embassy in Pretoria, reflecting escalating tensions over violence in Gaza.
The largely symbolic move passed 248-91, backed by the ruling African National Congress party and opposed by the centrist Democratic Alliance. It was introduced by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party and will not require the government to act.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused Israel of war crimes and genocide regarding recent military strikes in Gaza that killed thousands of Palestinians. Israel withdrew its ambassador last week.
The matter has strained ties. South Africa has not had an envoy in Israel since 2018.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in the violence, including nearly 6,000 children and 4,000 women. Israel says it acts in self-defense against Hamas militants.
The parliamentary vote signals growing South African discontent with Israeli military policy toward Palestinians. But with the motion non-binding, next steps remain unclear as the government weighs diplomatic and economic implications.
Recall that South Africa Joins Calls For Netanyahu’s Arrest, Labels Gaza Campaign As “Genocide”
