South Africa's parliament has approved a proposal to close Israel's embassy in Pretoria and suspend all diplomatic relations due to the relentless Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The motion, which is not binding on the government, was supported by the ruling African National Congress and the left-wing opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party, and contested by the Democratic Alliance.

The idea was approved with 248 votes in favor and 91 against and came after the Israeli regime recalled its ambassador from South Africa "for consultations".

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he believed Israel had committed war crimes and genocide in Gaza, where more than 14,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air and ground attacks.