The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Tuesday called on government to “completely sever all political and economic relations with Apartheid Israel”.

On Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation.

This as Israel continues its military assault on Gaza.

The EFF believes a complete severing of relations with Israel will show South Africa’s continued solidarity with Palestine.

“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,” the party said.

The EFF has called out support for Israel from the “white supremacist, imperialist, power-hungry” US, France, Germany and other Western countries.

The party claims that Israel has indiscriminately kidnapped, held hostage and tortured innocent Palestinian 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,” the EFF highlighted.

Last month, the EFF marched on the Israeli embassy in South Africa and demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa 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,” the EFF said.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) welcomed government’s move to recall all South African diplomats, saying the “genocidal actions” of the Israeli regime on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are crimes against humanity.

“We call for an immediate cease-fire,” the ANC said.

The party continues to pledge and intensify its solidarity with the people of Palestine for freedom, independence, justice and equality.

GREATER RESPONSIBILITY TO PALESTINIANS

Meanwhile, Corruption Watch acknowledged the efforts of the South African government in the conflict, which includes a call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as decisive action to recall diplomats from Tel Aviv.

However, the organisation believes that the country and its government have a greater responsibility to the people of Palestine in actively lobbying for global support, as South Africans “benefitted” from the global pressure that helped put an end to apartheid, including from Palestinians themselves.

“Anybody committed to upholding human rights should be appalled and outraged at the carnage that is unfolding before our eyes. Given South Africa’s direct experience of the cruel and damaging effects of apartheid, we must call for a cession of hostilities and commitment to a process that can end apartheid in Palestine,” said Corruption Watch executive director Karam Singh.

He added that South Africa, and other countries, should not stand by or condone the “ongoing subjugation of a people” and watch as these crimes against humanity are being perpetrated daily with such intensity and violence.

Singh noted that the world should not rest until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and liberation from the Israeli occupation has been realised.