By Riches Soberekon
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa announced its support for a parliamentary motion aimed at closing the Israeli embassy in Pretoria as a form of protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Additionally, the ANC expressed its backing for the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire is agreed upon and binding negotiations facilitated by the United Nations are initiated.
Pretoria has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ANC frequently drawing parallels between their own historic struggle against apartheid and the plight of the Palestinians.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized the party’s stance, stating, “We cannot remain passive in the face of the genocidal actions of the Israeli regime.” The African National Congress intends to endorse a parliamentary motion demanding the closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa.
The motion under consideration was proposed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a radical left-wing opposition party. It is important to note that the motion, though symbolically significant, is non-binding and would require government approval for any concrete action to be taken.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas was triggered by a violent attack carried out by the Palestinian Islamist movement on Israeli soil from the Gaza Strip, which is under its control. In response to this attack, Israel vowed to “annihilate” Hamas, leading to relentless shelling of the besieged territory where the movement is based.
