Israel protests to South Africa over Hamas invite

Israel on Monday summoned South Africa's deputy ambassador to deliver a "strong protest" over a planned visit by Hamas leader Khaled Mashal, the foreign ministry said.

Spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party had invited a delegation of the Islamist militant group to be headed by Mashal.

"We believe this invitation encourages terror by giving some legitimacy to a terror organization, recognized as such by the civilized world," said the statement.

The European Union and the United States have blacklisted Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, as a terror organization. Nelson Mandela, the late South African president and ANC leader, was an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause and a champion for Middle East