South Africa has recalled its ambassador to Israel following a bloody crackdown on Palestinian protesters by Israel forces that left at least 55 dead and 2,700 injured.
Because of the grave and indiscriminate nature of the latest Israeli attack, the South African government has decided to recall Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect.
The South African foreign ministry explained that its decision had been taken to protest the indiscriminate killing of protesters.
Israeli troops shot the protesters on the Gaza border on Monday when the high-profile opening of the U.S. embassy to Israel in Al-Quds raised tension to boiling point after weeks of demonstrations.
The violence took place on the day of the controversial transfer of the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Al-Quds.
While South Africa and Turkey recalled their ambassadors to Israel because of the US decision that has been widely criticized by its Western allies, some African countries sent representatives to witness the official opening of the US embassy in disputed Al-Quds.
The United Nations General Assembly rejected by a huge majority the US recognition of Al-Quds as Israel’s capital.
Palestinians seek East Al-Quds as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Most countries say the status of Al-Quds, a sacred city to Jews, Muslims and Christians – should be determined in a final peace settlement and that moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal.
The United States which was furious at the lack of support from its allies, threatened to cut aid to countries that don’t support its positions at the United Nations and in several other international fora.
