SOUTH African lawmakers voted decisively on Tuesday to close the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire is reached in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The resolution, adopted by a margin of 248-91, comes as tensions continue to rise in the region.
The move coincided with a bilateral agreement releasing hostages and prisoners, including a four-day Gaza truce.
The symbolic resolution awaits action from President Ramaphosa‘s government.
The Israeli Ambassador in Pretoria was recalled ahead of the vote.
It can be noted that the action was introduced by Economic Freedom Fighters, the left-wing opposition party in South Africa, and was backed by the Ruling African National Congress.
The pro-Israel democratic alliance, meanwhile, opposed the resolution.
To recall, BRICS leaders held a virtual emergency summit to discuss the Israel-Hamas War but failed to reach a joint declaration due to time constraints.
Meanwhile, South African President Ramaphosa emphasized the call for restraint and a peaceful resolution.
He also welcomed the four-day humanitarian pause in Gaza.
