Business Day
*SA mulls recalling ambassador to Israel*** *Wyndham Hartley, Business Day, Johannesburg, 21 November 2012*INTERNATIONAL Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says South Africa will consider recalling its ambassador to Israel at the "appropriate time", although this will harm the country's ability to engage with parties in the Middle East conflict.
Talks between Israelis and Palestinians over a truce in Gaza are continuing. Egyptian mediators are hopeful a deal can be reached soon.
Medical officials in Gaza said on Tuesday that 126 Palestinians have died in a week of fighting, including 27 children. Last week three Israelis died when a rocket from Gaza struck their house.
Ms Nkoana-Mashabane told a news conference on Tuesday that South Africa was gravely concerned about the situation in the Gaza enclave, and appealed to Hamas militants and Israel to halt all cross-border attacks and agree to a ceasefire.
She strongly condemned Israel's "illegal occupation" of Palestinian land and the "extra-judicial killing" of Hamas leaders. She described the call-up of 75,000 reservists by Israel as "ominous" as it indicated that a ground assault into Gaza by Israel was being contemplated.
South Africa appealed to Israel not to take such a step because it would result in a large-scale loss of lives and further inflame sentiments in a volatile region, she said.
Ms Nkoana-Mashabane said the withdrawal of South Africa's ambassador would be a last resort as it would remove an instrument for engagement with both Israel and the Palestinians.
The Israeli embassy did not respond to questions on Tuesday."At the heart of the conflict lies Israel's continued illegal occupation of Palestinian land, especially the continuing blockade of Gaza. The government therefore urges the Israeli government to halt these policies as they are an obstacle to negotiations for peace and contrary to international law," Ms Nkoana-Mashabane said.
"The government calls on the international community to put pressure on both Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza to halt this escalation of violence, given that as close neighbours they have no choice but to accept each other's permanent presence."
***From: http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/2012/11/21/sa-mulls-recalling-ambassador-to-israel*
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