By Marcus Moloko
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday called on the government of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals allegedly abducted as part of Israeli authorities’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, and Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla. 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 the president.
He also said that Israel should ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by the flotilla reaches the people of Gaza.
“The flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel,” said Ramaphosa.
In pre-recorded footage released before the alleged abductions, Mandela identified himself as a South African citizen and said viewers should treat the video as confirmation that he and others had been seized.
“I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel,” Mandela said. “I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”
Mandela, who is an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, joined activists and international campaigners aboard one of several vessels.
The Israeli foreign ministry said its naval forces had intercepted multiple boats, describing their mission as a provocation. It confirmed that passengers, including Europeans, were being transferred to Israel for deportation.
“Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health,” the ministry said on its social media platform.
Israel did not directly confirm Mandela’s detention or current location. His whereabouts remained unclear on Thursday.
Christian Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said Pretoria had received disturbing reports of “unidentified drone activity” near the flotilla before the interception and was demanding answers.
“The South African Government is closely monitoring the situation concerning the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is now navigating a high-risk area in the Mediterranean Sea,” Phiri said. “We note with grave concern the reports of unidentified drone activity in the vicinity of the civilian vessels.”
He said South Africa reaffirmed its call for all parties to act with restraint and to comply with international maritime law.
“The safety, security and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance,” Phiri said. “Any military engagement with or forceful detention of these vessels in international waters would constitute a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights.”
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