South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has demanded the immediate release of pro-Palestinian activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, after Israeli forces intercepted a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
Mandla Mandela and at least five other South Africans were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla when Israeli naval forces began intercepting the convoy of approximately 45 vessels on Wednesday. The flotilla was attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver crucial humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations has declared famine conditions.
“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,” President Ramaphosa said in an official statement Thursday.
The South African leader condemned the interceptions as violations of international law, stating: “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.”
Among those detained is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, according to Israel’s foreign ministry. Israeli officials confirmed that intercepted activists are being transferred to an Israeli port and will be deported to Europe.
By Thursday, flotilla tracking systems indicated that more than 30 of the roughly 45 ships had been intercepted or were presumed captured. Flotilla spokesman Saif Abukeshek confirmed that remaining vessels were determined to continue their mission despite the Israeli naval response.
The flotilla incident occurs against the backdrop of South Africa’s ongoing legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Pretoria filed a case in December 2023 alleging that Israel’s military operations in Gaza constitute genocide—charges that Israel has categorically denied.
Ramaphosa argued that Israel’s actions also violate “an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded” to Gaza.
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The humanitarian crisis stems from Israel’s blockade of Gaza, implemented following Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. The subsequent conflict has created severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic necessities in the Palestinian territory.
South Africa has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal critics regarding its Gaza operations, consistently calling for an end to what Pretoria characterises as violations of international humanitarian law.
The Israeli navy had warned flotilla activists against entering waters under its blockade jurisdiction before beginning interception operations Wednesday.
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