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The South African government has announced that it is recalling all of its diplomats from Tel Aviv in response to Israel's recent intense air strikes on Gaza. The attack, which took place on Sunday night, was one of the most severe since the war began a month ago. Around 200 people were reported to have been killed, according to Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital. South Africa has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and on Monday, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor strongly condemned Israel's actions. She stated that South Africa was withdrawing its diplomats due to its extreme concern over the killing of innocent civilians and children in the Palestinian territories. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. Israel has not yet responded to South Africa's statement, but it has stated that it is taking measures to reduce civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of using non-combatants as human shields. In early October, Hamas militants, classified as a terrorist organization by Western powers including the UK and US, killed over 1,400 people in Israel and took hostages, including a South African national. In response, Israel has declared its intention to destroy Hamas and has carried out numerous air strikes on Gaza. The South African government has consistently supported the Palestinians in their conflict with Israel, often connecting their cause to its own struggle against apartheid. Foreign Minister Pandor stated that recalling the diplomats is a standard practice and that they will provide a full briefing to the government before any decisions are made on further action. The South African cabinet also accused the Israeli ambassador of making derogatory remarks about South Africans who criticized Israel's government, further straining relations between the two countries. South Africa joins other countries such as Chad, Chile, and Colombia in recalling diplomats from Israel to protest against the military operation in Gaza.