Pretoria - The South African government has reinstated its ambassador to the Israel, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Tuesday.
Ambassador Ismail Coovadia was recalled in May following an Israeli military attack in international waters, on a Turkish ship attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which resulted in the loss of lives.
As was announced at the time, the recall of Coovadia for consultations was a recognised instrument of diplomatic practice aimed at registering a country's strongest protest at the actions of a state with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
"Following extensive discussions and consultations with Amb Coovadia, the decision was taken by Government for Amb Coovadia to return to Tel Aviv to resume his duties there," the department's spokesperson Saul Molobi said.
Investigations into the incident have been concluded by the committee set up to probe the incident. Although it has been found that mistakes have been made by the Israeli military, no further action was recommended.
Molobi said South Africa reiterates that any investigation should be a "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent" investigation, in line with UN recommendations and, as this action had international ramifications, be conducted by independent international investigators.
He said South Africa, would continue to monitor developments in the region and to urge Israel to create a climate that is conducive to future negotiations between itself and the Palestinian Authorities in order to find a peaceful negotiated solution to the question of the establishment of a viable Palestinian State.
"The South African Government also continues to call on the Israeli Government to lift its blockade of Gaza, which is causing untold suffering to thousands of innocent civilians," said Molobi, adding that South Africa would continue doing whatever is possible to contribute towards finding peace in the region and creating an independent, viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel, within internationally recognised borders.
