South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party says it would support a parliamentary motion calling for the Israeli embassy in South Africa to be closed.

The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will propose the motion later, also calling for the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

South Africa’s strong support for Palestinians dates back to former President Nelson Mandela’s days, with the country likening their plight to its own before the end of apartheid in 1994. Israel rejects the comparison.

“The African National Congress will agree to a parliamentary motion which calls upon the government to close the Israel Embassy in South Africa and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel agrees to a ceasefire,” the ANC said in a statement.