Image Source: NBC News
World – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced that it has received formal notification from Israeli authorities regarding the status of South African citizens who took part in the recent Global Flotilla initiative.
The department confirmed that the South Africans detained in Israel are expected to be released and repatriated. Their return will take place through Jordan as part of a coordinated effort between South African and international authorities.
“We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, departing via Jordan tomorrow morning,” the department stated.
Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, commended all those involved in assisting with the safe return of the detained citizens. He noted the importance of collaboration between government departments and foreign partners in securing their release.
“Minister Lamola extends his gratitude to all relevant parties, both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation and coordination in ensuring the return of the South African citizens,” DIRCO said.
The department reiterated South Africa’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad. DIRCO stated that it continues to closely monitor developments to ensure the well-being and safe return of its citizens.
Global Deportations Continue
While preparations are underway for the South Africans’ return, the Israeli embassy in SA confirmed that a large group of international activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla has been deported.
The group included several European and American nationals who were detained alongside others attempting to reach Gaza by sea. According to the embassy, 171 participants, including Swedish Palestinian and environmental activist Greta Thunberg, were deported to Greece and Slovakia earlier today.
“The deportees are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Serbia, and the United States,” the embassy stated in a post on X.
The embassy confirmed that the South Africans who attempted to enter the Gaza Strip will be deported via Jordan.
“All South Africans who tried to enter illegally will be expelled tomorrow via Jordan,” the embassy said, adding that “as always, it’s the South African taxpayers who get the honour of paying for their fellow citizens’ deportation tickets.”
However, the Global Solidarity Movement (GSM) stated that one of the activists remains in Israeli custody under harsh conditions.
“The Zionists still have @yvonneridley locked up in their dungeons. Ridley has been on a hunger strike for days,” GSM posted on X.
