02/10/2025
Ramaphosa Calls on Israel to Free South Africans Held on Gaza Flotilla
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Israel to urgently release South Africans and other international activists who were detained after a humanitarian flotilla headed to Gaza was intercepted.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was sailing in international waters when Israeli naval forces stopped it. The flotilla was carrying activists and humanitarian aid meant for Palestinians in Gaza.
Among the South Africans on board were Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla. Their detention has been confirmed, while the status of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver is still unclear.
Mandla Mandela released a video message saying that he and others had been “abducted” by Israeli forces during the interception.
The Presidency said Israel’s actions go against international law and the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which ordered that humanitarian aid must be allowed into Gaza without restrictions.
Israel, on the other hand, argues that the flotilla was heading into a “combat zone” and claims that alternative routes for aid delivery had been offered.
The interception has sparked anger around the world, with governments, human rights groups, and activists calling for the immediate release of all those detained and for respect of humanitarian efforts.
