South Africa and Chad have announced they will recall diplomats from Israel for “consultation” in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
South African Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Monday the government decided to withdraw all three of its diplomats in Tel Aviv temporarily. Ntshavheni condemned the “atrocities and genocide” by the Israeli government.
Chad also recalled its chargé d’affaires from Israel last Thursday in reaction to events in Gaza, per a statement from the Chadian Foreign Ministry. Chad called for an immediate ceasefire and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.
South Africa and Chad join other nations including Turkey, Honduras, Colombia, Chile, Jordan and Bahrain in recalling ambassadors from Israel since fighting erupted.
Last week, Bolivia went further by fully cutting diplomatic ties with Israel, citing “crimes against humanity” against Palestinians.
South Africa’s parliament passed a resolution to downgrade relations with Israel in March. The government has strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes in Gaza, calling the direct targeting of civilians and hospitals “war crimes.”
Israel’s ambassador to South Africa has drawn criticism for comments on the conflict in South African media. The government said his role is becoming “untenable.”
The withdrawals highlight growing international opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza that have killed over 200 Palestinians.
