By Rachel Mohamed
The illegal abduction of South African activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Mandla Mandela and Dr Fatima Hendricks, has raised serious concerns over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and breaches of international law. This comes as Israel reportedly accepted Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, while Hamas has set conditions for any negotiations.
Speaking to VOC News, Na’eem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), stressed that the flotilla’s purpose was to draw attention not only to those abducted but also to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The focus is still on Gaza, and we saw Gazan fishermen fishing for the first time in more than two years. In some ways, this flotilla has achieved its goal of keeping the world’s attention on Gaza and attempting to break the siege,” Jeenah said.
When asked about US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, Jeenah noted that what was presented to Arab Muslim leaders was 21 points, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reduced it to 20 points.
“It isn’t even 20 points, and it’s obviously not about peace or a plan. It is a proposal and offer for the Gaza resistance to surrender. What we see is an attempt to strengthen and deepen colonial control over Gaza,” he explained.
Listen to the full interview:
VOC News
Photo: Global Sumud Flotilla/Facebook
