Why does South Africa want to end ties with Israel?

The South African Parliament has voted in favor of a motion calling for the closure of the Israel embassy in Pretoria and the termination of all diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision reiterates South Africa's longstanding support for Palestine over Israel.

Details of the decision

• The motion was introduced in Parliament by the left-wing opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters and gained support from the ruling African National Congress and members of the centrist, pro-Israel democratic alliance.
• It passed on Tuesday with 248 votes in favor and 91 votes against, as reported by Al Jazeera.
• However, the decision is largely symbolic, as its implementation remains at the discretion of President Cyril Ramaphosa's government.
• President Ramaphosa has expressed his country's belief that Israel is engaged in war crimes and genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Why

• South Africa's support for Palestine is rooted in its own history of apartheid, racial discrimination, and segregation.
• The country advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state and condemns crimes against Palestinians.
• Notably, South Africa previously severed ties with Israel after the latter's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
• On November 15, South Africa's Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, criticized Israel's actions, urging global intervention to halt what she described as a "crime against humanity."

  

   

Historical relationship between South Africa and Palestine

• South Africa has maintained a long-standing alliance with Palestine since the accreditation of the first Palestinian embassy in 1995, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations.
• In 2022, during a meeting in Pretoria, South Africa reiterated its support for Palestine, highlighting concerns over Israel's occupation of parts of the West Bank and its establishment of new settlements, which were considered violations of international law.
• Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor emphasized South Africa's firsthand experiences of inequality and discrimination, drawing parallels with the Palestinian struggle for independence.
• In response, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki acknowledged South Africa's solidarity, recognizing the African continent's understanding of Palestine's pursuit of freedom and independence.