South Africa Suspends Diplomatic Ties with Israel, Accuses of War Crimes

South African lawmakers have voted in favor of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire is agreed upon in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The resolution, although symbolic, awaits implementation by President Cyril Ramaphosa's government. South Africa has long supported the Palestinian cause and likened their struggle to that of the Black majority during apartheid. The Israeli embassy has not yet responded to the decision.