South African citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla are scheduled for release. They will return home from Israel via Jordan, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Monday. This came after Israeli authorities formally notified the department.
The group was part of an international effort to deliver aid to Gaza. The humanitarian mission involved more than 400 people. This included activists, journalists, and parliamentarians. Their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces last week. The activists were subsequently detained.
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Allegations of mistreatment
Upon release, many international participants have alleged mistreatment. They claim they were subjected to abuse while in Israeli custody. Detainees reported being beaten and insulted. They also faced sleep deprivation and threats. Some participants said they were forced to watch footage of the 7 October attacks.
Italian activist Lorenzo D’Agostino described “gratuitous cruelty”. He said he was forced to kneel for hours. He also claimed his belongings were destroyed. Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau alleged that a request for a doctor was denied. She was told medical assistance “was for humans”.
Israel’s foreign ministry has dismissed these claims. It called the allegations “brazen lies” and stated that all detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld. However, many returning activists have shown physical marks. They have also described harsh conditions in the Ketziot prison.
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South African involvement
Notable South Africans were part of the mission. This included Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, who recorded a video message prior to the interception. In it, he called for the South African government to pressure Israel for his release.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri had earlier called for restraint, emphasising adherence to international law. Phiri stressed the paramount importance of the participants’ safety. The South African government has thanked all parties who assisted and acknowledged those who helped coordinate the return of the flotilla participants.
