President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Israel to immediately release South Africans and other nationals detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that South African participants included Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moola. Confirmation is still pending on whether Dr Zaheera Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks, and Carolyn Shelver were among those abducted.
According to the latest flotilla data, most of the more than 40 humanitarian vessels in the convoy have been intercepted and seized by Israeli forces. The mission carried over 500 participants from 44 countries, aiming to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver urgent humanitarian relief.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) condemned the attacks, describing Israel’s actions as “piracy and unlawful aggression against unarmed civilians in international waters.” The organisation emphasised that the mission was entirely peaceful, with the sole aim of addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Among those detained is Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, who joined the flotilla to deliver aid. PSC highlighted that the convoy represents the largest civilian-led maritime mission in history.
Israel’s actions, which included the use of drones and water cannons, have been widely criticised as violations of international humanitarian law and the binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which require unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
VOC News
Photo: X/ @PresidencyZA
