Govt still pondering suspension of diplomatic ties with Israel

This is according to the President's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, who briefed the media in Cape Town on Wednesday. 

South Africa has been a vocal critic of Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which came in response to Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. 

South African diplomatic staff have been recalled from Tel Aviv for consultation - with Israel reciprocating by recalling its ambassador to South Africa. 

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Last week, Parliament voted to close the Israeli Embassy and suspend relations with Israel, although the move is not legally binding.

Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa remains actively involved in efforts to resolve the conflict.

"At this stage, there's no decision to completely cut ties with the Israeli government, notwithstanding the level of displeasure that the South African government has expressed with respect to the action of the Israeli government.  

"Just as much as the president was quite there in his condemnation of the action by Hamas; equally, the president has been clear in his condemnation of sort of collective punishment approach that the Israeli government has taken."