South Africa Summons Diplomats from Israel to Assess Its Position

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor announced on Monday that her country is summoning diplomats from Israel to evaluate relations amid rising civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas. South Africa has long been an advocate for peace in the Middle East and has supported the Palestinians, likening their plight to its own under the apartheid regime that ended in 1994. Pandor described the return of diplomats as a "normal practice" and stated that the purpose of the summons is to determine "whether there is any possibility for assistance and whether the existing relationship can indeed continue in all respects." South Africa does not have an ambassador to Israel. She added that her country "feels deeply concerned about the ongoing killing of children and innocent civilians" in the Palestinian territories. She stated, "We believe that the nature of the response from Israel has become collective punishment," and emphasized that her country will continue to call for a comprehensive ceasefire. For its part, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that "Israel expects South Africa to condemn Hamas and 'respect Israel's right to defend itself'."