South African has become the latest country to severe ties with Israel and here's why

-



 South Africa has intensified its critique of Israel by recalling its diplomats and condemning Israel's actions in Gaza as war crimes. This move signifies a significant shift in South Africa's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, strongly criticized Israel's ground invasion of Gaza, labelling the killing of children in the Palestinian region as a "war crime." The recall of South African diplomats from Tel Aviv followed this condemnation.

The African National Congress (ANC) )-led South African government has a historical connection with the Palestinian cause, as Palestinian resistance movements provided support during South Africa's fight against apartheid. This solidarity has led South Africa to take a strong stance against Israel's actions in Gaza.

Israel's response to the attacks by Hamas in Gaza, which resulted in thousands of casualties among Palestinians, was met with strong condemnation from the South African government. Minister Pandor stated that Israel's response amounted to collective punishment, a practice that violates international humanitarian and human rights laws.

In addition to diplomatic actions, South Africans have protested in the streets. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have witnessed large demonstrations, and protests have been ongoing outside the United States Embassy and Consulate. South Africa is not the only country to take diplomatic measures against Israel in response to the Gaza conflict, with Chad, Jordan and several South American governments also recalling their ambassadors.

The South African branch of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement praised the government's condemnation of Israel's actions but criticized the delay in taking such action. They called for immediate measures to address the situation, including international sanctions and an arms embargo.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni indicated that Israel's Ambassador's position in South Africa was becoming untenable. The Israeli Ambassador, Eliav Belotsercovsky, faced criticism for his remarks in South African media.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies expressed concerns about the government's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue with both sides of the conflict.


South Africa's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is grounded in its history of fighting apartheid, and it has now called for international action to halt what it describes as a "genocide" in Gaza. The country demands an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, UN protection for those in Gaza, the reinstatement of UN anti-apartheid mechanisms, international sanctions, an arms embargo, and investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, drawing parallels between their struggle and South Africa's own fight against apartheid. The pressure is growing for concrete actions against Israel, including an economic boycott and the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.

In summary, South Africa's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel and its strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza signifies a significant shift in its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, reflecting its historical connection with the Palestinian cause and its commitment to international humanitarian and human rights principles.

#StayTunedForMore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Boko Haram Strikes ..... Again: Has Nigeria Grown Complacent in the Face of Terror?

-
Image
The village of Mafa, in Yobe State, once again found itself the target of a brutal Boko Haram attack. On September 1, 2024, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) descended on the village, killing more than 170 people, according to local reports. Despite previous threats, government assurances led villagers to return to their homes . In the aftermath of the attack, questions have arisen about whether Nigerians and their leaders have become desensitized to these tragic events. Mafa, like many communities in north-eastern Nigeria, has long been a battleground in the fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups. In late July, after receiving threats from ISWAP, the village was evacuated. Residents fled to nearby Babban Gida, hoping to escape the violence that has plagued the region for over a decade. However, after receiving reassurances from local officials that the area was safe, most of Mafa's residents returned—only to be met with devastating consequenc
Read more

Tariye Gbadegesin's CEO Appointment at CIF: Unveiling New Avenues for Business-Driven Climate Investment

-
Image
  The recent appointment of Tariye Gbadegesin as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) is poised to redefine the landscape of climate finance from a business investment perspective. As the first African to helm this role, Gbadegesin brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure and climate finance, signalling a strategic shift for CIF and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable business investments.  Currently serving as the CEO of ARM Harith Infrastructure Investments, a pan-African infrastructure fund, Gbadegesin's expertise lies in structuring and delivering large-scale energy, infrastructure, and industrial investments. With over $3 billion in projects under her belt, her track record positions her as a trailblazer in mobilizing private capital for climate action.   Established in 2008, CIF has been a key player in mobilizing concessional finance for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Despite its success, challenges exist, especia
Read more

The Nigerian Minimum Wage Saga: How Much Is Enough For The People.

-
Image
  Nigeria is currently undergoing significant mediation to determine a new national minimum wage. This negotiation involves various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector, and labour unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The primary goal is to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in light of recent inflation and economic hardships. The NLC and TUC have been vocal about their demand for a substantial increase in the minimum wage, proposing as high as ₦615,000 per month. This figure is based on research reflecting the current cost of living for an average Nigerian family. The unions argue that the existing minimum wage of ₦30,000 is grossly inadequate, given the rising costs of basic necessities. On the other hand, the Federal Government, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Labour Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has acknowledged the need for a wag
Read more