Africa: In response to the heinous acts by the Israeli government against the people of Gaza, some African states have recalled their diplomats from Israel

Overwhelmed by the atrocities reminiscent of a bygone era, the governments of Chad and South Africa have decided to bring back their diplomats from Israel. In announcements made on November 4 and 6, respectively, N’Djamena and Pretoria contextualize these decisions in light of the crisis unfolding in Gaza, in Palestinian territory.

Chad expresses concern about unprecedented waves of deadly violence in the Gaza Strip, while on the South African side, authorities denounce the ongoing «genocide under the watch of the international community.

While the stance of the Rainbow Nation doesn’t come as a surprise due to its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause since the end of apartheid, Chad’s decision stands in contrast to the country’s policy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years.

Under the leadership of the late President Idriss Deby Itno, the country pursued a strategy of rapprochement with the State of Israel, marked by a visit by the late head of state to the Middle Eastern country in 2018.

The following year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself visited N’Djamena to strengthen the new relations with this African nation.

This rapprochement strategy has been continued by Chad’s current President, Mahamat Idriss Deby, who personally inaugurated his country’s embassy in Tel Aviv in February of this year.

As a reminder, since October 2023, Israel has been conducting Operation «Iron Swords» in Gaza, which has already resulted in the deaths of more than 9,200 people, including 3,826 children, according to Hamas.

This operation was launched in response to the «Aqsa Deluge» operation carried out by Hamas, which killed 1,400 Israelis.

Worldwide, this new conflict is perceived differently, depending on the observers’ sensibilities.

While some believe that Israel has the right to continue its operation to avenge its dead, others argue that this response is disproportionate and that the Hamas attack would not have occurred if Israeli authorities had not violated international law for several decades.

Chad and South Africa have called for a ceasefire leading to a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue in their statements.

Additionally, Pretoria noted the disparaging remarks made by the Israeli ambassador in South Africa toward those who oppose the Israeli government’s atrocities and genocide.

Pedro OKALAMAR