President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the Government of the State of Israel to immediately free South African citizens and other foreign nationals detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission that set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, comprising several vessels sailing under different national flags, was halted in international waters near Gaza, drawing widespread international concern.
South Africans Among Those Detained
On board the flotilla were a number of South Africans, among them Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s grandson), author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moolla. Confirmation is still pending regarding the detention of others, including Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver. Families and civil society organisations in South Africa have expressed deep concern about their well-being, as news of their abduction filtered through official channels.
A Message from Nelson Mandela’s Grandson!#GlobalSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/FtyehFuWud
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Violation of International Law
President Ramaphosa stressed that the interception highlighted once more what he described as Israel’s disregard for international law. He linked the act to the suffering of Palestinians, many of whom are facing hunger and shortages of essential supplies as a result of the blockade on Gaza.
“The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.”
The President further emphasised that the location of the interception made it a direct breach of international maritime law.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Ramaphosa urged the Israeli government to not only release those detained but also ensure that the humanitarian supplies carried by the flotilla reach their intended destination.
“On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.”
He pointed out that the International Court of Justice had issued a directive that aid to Gaza must not be obstructed.
“This action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.”
Humanitarian Focus
The President made it clear that the flotilla’s purpose was one of solidarity and compassion, not conflict.
“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.”
Ramaphosa aligned South Africa’s position with that of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who has called for an immediate end to the blockade.
“South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.”
Appeal for Peace
The President concluded his statement with an appeal for compassion and a reaffirmation of South Africa’s stance on peace efforts in the Middle East.
“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”
South Africa’s government continues to press the matter diplomatically while international attention grows on the incident. For many, the fate of the detained South Africans has become part of a larger debate about humanitarian access, sovereignty, and the ongoing conflict in the region.
