Families of South African delegates detained by Israeli forces aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention following their reported detention at sea.
South African activist and humanitarian delegates Faeek Ariefdien and Faizel Moosa were among around 100 activists reportedly detained after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus on Monday.
Speaking to VOC News, Shahieda Carlie, the sister of Faeek Ariefdien, said the family is living in fear and uncertainty and has appealed for immediate government intervention to secure the safe release of those detained.
“We are extremely emotional. Everyone is emotional. We are scared because we don’t know what to expect. With the Israelis, you have no idea what they can do to our people,” Carlie said.
She added that the situation has left families desperate for updates and support.
“The Israelis see the Global Sumud Flotilla as a threat, so we keep asking, ‘Ya Allah, what is going to happen to our brother?’ We are pleading with the community to use whatever contacts and influence they have to pressure the government to intervene because we are very worried about our people,” she said.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
