The Media Review Network (MRN) welcomes the decisive action of the South African Government in declaring the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires persona non grata.
This is an overdue and necessary step that aligns with both South Africa’s moral conscience and its obligations under international law.
This decision sends an unambiguous message that South Africa will not tolerate the blatant disregard for diplomatic norms and the ongoing campaign of disinformation aimed at embarrassing our president and undermining the country as a response to our sovereign stance against ‘Israel’s’ genocide in Gaza.
As a nation born from a struggle against settler colonialism, apartheid and oppression, we have a profound duty to stand against the atrocities being perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The ‘Israeli’ representative’s conduct has been inconsistent with basic diplomatic practices.
We commend DIRCO for this firm stance. It reinforces South Africa’s leadership in the global pursuit of justice and accountability, as demonstrated by our case before the ICJ.
This move affirms that our foreign policy is not mere rhetoric.
We urge the government to continue implementing all available diplomatic and legal measures to pressure Israel to end its illegal occupation and relentless violence.
We must now proceed to close Israel’s embassy in the country and expel all its diplomats.
Issued by:
Dr Ahmed Haroon Jazbhay
Executive Member
Media Review Network
South Africa
johannesburg
0848710966