EFF welcomes decision by Cabinet to recall all diplomats from racist apartheid Israel in face of ethnic genocide of Palestinians

7 November 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes decision by cabinet to recall all diplomats from the South African liaison office in Apartheid Israel for consultations, after the continued occupation of, and ethnic genocide in Palestine.

In 2018, in protest, South Africa recalled our Ambassador and downgraded our embassy in Israel to a liaison office that only offers consulate services, so this is a necessary step in our continued solidarity with the Palestinian people.

This is also a step that is long overdue, and one that the EFF has consistently advocated for. However, this move must be made permanent, and should not end with mere consultations. Terminating diplomatic relations with a racist genocidal nation is imperative, especially as a country that has its own painful history of Apartheid.

As it stands, Israel with support from the white supremacist, imperialist, power hungry United States of America, France, Germany and other Western countries, have overseen the murder of over 10 000 Palestinians in military attacks over the past three weeks, that have involved 30 000 tonnes of explosives on defenceless Palestinians.

They have indiscriminately kidnapped, held hostage, tortured innocent civilians, bombed hospitals, homes, and even universities in Gaza and the West Bank, with almost 70% of Gaza's population being forcibly displaced from their homes.

Apartheid Israel has also cruelly enforced a total blockade on Gaza which has resulted in severe restrictions on the flow of essential supplies, including food, water, electricity, and fuel. In addition, there have been three instances of internet and communication channel disruptions in the past few days as part of Israel's ongoing ground attacks.

We call on the government not only to recall the diplomats for consultation but to completely sever all political and economic relations with Apartheid Israel.

In solidarity, in October, the EFF marched on the Israeli embassy in South Africa and demanded, that the President expel the Ambassador of Israel to South Africa. We reiterate this demand as well as call for the South African government to provide Palestinians with both the humanitarian and military support necessary to fight for their land and lives.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 7 November 2023