Ntshavheni briefed the media on Monday morning following a cabinet meeting last week.

The debate over South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Israel follows the widespread condemnation of its bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Gazans and a devastating humanitarian crisis with food, water, fuel, and medical supply shortages.

Ntshavheni said South Africa has not decided to close the Israeli embassy yet. 

Some people want South Africa to stop working with Israel. This is because Israel is attacking Gaza right now. Many Gazans have lost their homes and don’t have enough food, water, fuel or medicine.

Pro-Palestine groups and political parties are asking South Africa to expel the Israeli ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky. 

Ntshavheni said “For now, we are only writing to the International Criminal Court. We want them to investigate if Israel has committed war crimes.”

she also said: “These attacks might not have happened if the court investigated sooner like the Palestinians asked.”

On Monday, politician Julius Malema asked lawmakers to vote to shut down the Israeli embassy and stop relations with them. 

MPs talked about the idea last week. But the government has not decided yet.

Do you think South Africa should cut ties with Israel because of attacks on Gaza? Why or why not? Let us know.