President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of a humanitarian aid convoy. The Global Sumud Flotilla was sailing to Gaza on Wednesday when Israeli naval forces stopped the vessels in international waters. They detained dozens of activists, including several South Africans.
Ramaphosa described the action as a grave offence against global solidarity. He stated the interception violates international law and breaches the sovereignty of nations whose flags were on the vessels. The president highlighted that the act defies an International Court of Justice injunction demanding that humanitarian aid must flow unimpeded into Gaza.
“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,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Among the detained South Africans is Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela. He is the grandson of former president Nelson Mandela. Author Zukiswa Wanner and activist Reaaz Moolla were also taken. Confirmation is pending for three other South African activists. These are Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.
SMread: Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, detains activists
International condemnation grows
The interception has drawn widespread international criticism. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reiterated calls for Israel to lift the blockade. He urged that life-saving materials be allowed into Gaza.
Turkey called the interception an “act of terrorism”. Colombia expelled Israeli diplomats in response to the incident. The British government expressed it was “very concerned”. It confirmed British nationals were among those detained.
More than 40 ships are carrying around 500 activists from at least 44 countries. Organisers stated their mission was to break the long-standing blockade on the Gaza Strip. The activists maintain their mission was peaceful. They described the interception as an “illegal” act of “piracy”.
Israel stated the convoy was “violating a lawful naval blockade”. Its foreign ministry confirmed the detained activists were being taken to the port of Ashdod. They would then be processed for deportation.
Ramaphosa has urged Israel to ensure the aid reaches the people of Gaza. He said the convoy represented solidarity, not confrontation. The president’s thoughts are with the abductees and their families. He insisted Israel has no justification for detaining civilians on a humanitarian mission.
Image credit: GCIS
