By Rachel Mohamed
Following the news that the Israeli military intercepted and boarded approximately 20 Gaza-bound aid ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, several activists on board were detained. Among those detained are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Warner, and Reaaz Moola. According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the navy ordered the ships to change course as they approached an active combat zone. The Global Sumud Flotilla has declared these interceptions illegal.
Speaking on VOC News, Nasiha Soomar, Executive of the South Africa Palestine Movement, confirmed that six South Africans have been abducted by Israeli occupying forces. The individuals include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Warner, Reaaz Moola, Dr. Zaheera Soomar, Dr. Fatima Hendricks, and Carolyn Shelver.
Soomar noted that there are also two or three additional compatriots who are on the observer boat.”One of them is the seventh person, Basheerah Soomar, who is likely not to be abducted because she is on the legal observer boat, composed of lawyers, international lawmakers, and legal activists,” said Soomar.
She added: “We know that the Global Sumud Flotilla’s South African delegation has made arrangements for lawyers to be waiting at various ports in occupied Palestine. The South African government deserves commendation for its efforts in this regard, ensuring that DIRCO is on standby to assist all delegates from South Africa.”
VOC News
Photo: Global Sumud Flotilla/Facebook
