Mauritania recalls ambassador from Israel in wake of Gaza offensive

The government of Mauritania is recalling its ambassador from Israel in the aftermath of the invasion of Gaza.

Mauritania is one of only three Arab League countries to have diplomatic ties with Israel.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Babah Ould Sidi Abdalla said Monday that Mauritania's ambassador in Tel Aviv had been ordered to return for consultations.

Abdalla declined to comment further and did not explicitly say the move was made in protest.

On Sunday, security forces fired tear gas to disperse people in Mauritania's capital who were protesting the incursion into Gaza.

At least 10 civilians and several riot police were injured and hospitalized, according to an Associated Press reporter at the scene.