President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of Israeli authorities’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The activists, including the grandson of former president Nelson Mandela, Nkosi Mandla Mandela, were intercepted and arrested last night on international waters while sailing to deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The flotilla comprised more than 40 humanitarian vessels and was seeking to break Israel’s siege of Palestine.
Israel has in the past warned that it’ll intercept the vessels when they enter its waters which fall under its blockade.
According to Ramaphosa, the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.
Beside Mandela, other South Africans who were on board the flotilla includes Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla, while confirmation is pending on the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.
“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. 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.
“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,” said Ramaphosa.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa said Israel’s action is also in violation of the International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.
The flotilla was carrying life-saving cargo to the people of Gaza, and the president has implored Israel to ensure that the aid reaches the people of Gaza.
“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.
“My thoughts are with all 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,” remarked the president.
