Pretoria: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday demanded the immediate release of South Africans and other foreign nationals detained by Israeli forces after attacking a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. Ramaphosa condemned the attack in international waters, saying it reflected Israel's continued disregard for international law and worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ramaphosa described the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla as a grave offence against global solidarity aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region. He urged Israel to free those detained during the raid and allow aid ships to deliver their cargo. Ramaphosa stated, "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."
Ramaphosa argued that Israel's actions violated the sovereignty of countries whose flags were flown on the flotilla's vessels and breached an International Court of Justice order requiring unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. He further supported the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving materials by all possible means.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of more than 40 vessels carrying over 500 volunteers from about 40 countries, was attacked by Israeli naval forces on Wednesday around 80 nautical miles off Gaza. Israeli forces reportedly attacked 21 vessels and detained at least 317 activists, according to the flotilla's official tracker. Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that 'several boats' were detained and passengers were being taken to an Israeli port.
The South African presidency confirmed that among those seized were Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla. Authorities are seeking confirmation on the status of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver. Israel has kept Gaza under blockade for nearly 18 years, further tightening restrictions in March by closing border crossings and halting food and medicine deliveries, exacerbating famine conditions.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The UN and rights groups have repeatedly warned that the enclave is becoming uninhabitable, with starvation and disease spreading rapidly.