A majority of South African lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favor of a proposal to close Israel’s embassy in the country and cut diplomatic ties until Israel accepts a ceasefire in Gaza, Sky News reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril RamaphosaPhoto: Serhiy Chirikov / AP / Profimedia

The vote for the project, which was backed by the ruling African National Congress, came after President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

The proposal of the opposition party “Fighters for Economic Freedom” was supported by 248 deputies, 91 voted against.

The vote came after Israel’s foreign ministry said it had recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Bilotserkovsky, back to Jerusalem “for consultations”.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained by the war in Gaza.

South Africa announced last week that it had referred what it called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation. His office asked the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier this month, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel and recalled all diplomatic staff.