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Palestine

 South Africa has called back its diplomats from Israel to assess their relationship with the country. This decision comes as the number of civilian deaths in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip continues to rise.

Why is South Africa Doing This?

The South African Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, says recalling diplomats is a normal practice to evaluate the situation. They want to see if they can provide any assistance and if their relationship with Israel can continue in all aspects.

South Africa has always supported peace in the Middle East and has been on the side of the Palestinians. They compare the Palestinians' struggle to their own fight against apartheid, which ended in 1994.

What is South Africa Concerned About?

Minister Pandor expressed deep concern about the killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories. She believes that Israel's response is like collective punishment and wants a comprehensive ceasefire.

Israel's Response

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees South Africa's decision as a victory for Hamas, which they consider a terrorist group. They expect South Africa to denounce Hamas and respect Israel's right to defend itself.

Other Countries Taking Action

Several other countries, including Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, and Honduras, have also withdrawn their ambassadors from Israel for consultations due to the ongoing aggression against Gaza.

Targeting Hospitals and Schools

Israel has been intensifying its attacks on the Gaza Strip, targeting residential areas, important facilities, and even hospitals and schools. This has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people, mostly women and children. Many countries have condemned these actions.

On the other hand, the resistance groups in Gaza have been fighting back against the Israeli army, causing heavy losses. The conflict has led to the deaths of over 1,400 Israeli soldies and the capture of 240 prisoners.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies