While peoples from countries across the world continue to come out on the streets in tens of thousands to show their solidarity with the people of Palestine, several countries have begun to take official steps to voice their condemnation of Israel’s crimes.
South Africa and Bolivia have severed relations with Israel, and several other countries are recalling their ambassadors and embassy staff.
On 1st November, Bolivia cut official ties with Israel over the war in Gaza. Bolivia announced that it has “decided to break diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in repudiation and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip.”
Bolivia’s neighbours – Colombia, Chile and Honduras also recalled their ambassadors for consultations, condemning the deaths of civilians in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire. The Chilean President accused Israel of “unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law” and following a policy of “collective punishment” of the people of Gaza. Colombian President condemned the attacks as a “massacre of the Palestinian people.”
Other countries that have recalled their ambassadors to Israel are Turkey, Jordan, Bahrain and Chad.
On 7th November, South Africa became the latest among the countries to severe all diplomatic ties with Israel. South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister reaffirmed her country’s position against Israel. She called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes.