South Africa demands 'Israel' release Gaza flotilla activists
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South Africa calls "Israel's" seizure of the Global Freedom Flotilla a grave crime, urging the release of activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson.
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Activists in orange life jackets sit aboard a Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla boat as Israeli navy soldiers sail it into the port of Asdod, occupied Palestine, Thursday, October 2, 2025, after it was intercepted while approaching the Gaza coast (AP)
South Africa has called on the Israeli regime to immediately release all activists detained aboard the Global Freedom Flotilla, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
Pretoria stressed on Thursday that "Israel's" interception of the aid flotilla bound for Gaza constitutes a "serious crime" and a violation of international law. The ships were carrying humanitarian supplies intended to reach Palestinians under siege in the Gaza Strip.
South Africa has already filed a case against the Israeli occupation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide during its ongoing war on Gaza.
Yet another crime by 'Israel'
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement cited by Reuters that the flotilla’s interception "is yet another grave crime committed by the Israeli occupation against global solidarity and humanitarian sentiments aimed at easing suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region."
He further stressed that the Israeli navy’s actions in international waters violated an ICJ ruling, which ordered that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow to Gaza without obstruction.
Before departing to join the flotilla, Nkosi Mandela had remarked that "the lives of Palestinians under Israeli occupation are worse than anything Black South Africans faced under apartheid."
'Israel' detaines 443 flotilla activists
The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Israeli occupation forces intercepted the "peaceful convoy's ships" in international waters and subsequently abducted hundreds of volunteers.
According to the flotilla's report, more than 443 participants from 47 countries are now being detained illegally by Israeli authorities, after the fleet was seized. It called for urgent international intervention to ensure the safety of the volunteers detained by "Israel" and to secure their immediate release.
In contrast, the Israeli occupation's Foreign Ministry stated that "none of the ships in the Gaza aid flotilla succeeded in their attempt to reach the sector," adding that "only one ship remains at a distance, and if it attempts to violate the Gaza blockade, it will be intercepted as well."
The Foreign Ministry claimed that the flotilla participants are in good condition and are being taken to Israeli ports for deportation to Europe.
Europe concerned over 'Israel's' actions
Additionally, the UK Foreign Office expressed deep concern over "Israel's" seizure of the aid flotilla bound for Gaza, stating it has told Israeli authorities that a safe resolution to the situation is essential.
The Ministry clarified in a statement that it is in contact with the families of several British citizens participating in the flotilla, emphasizing that the humanitarian aid carried by the flotilla must be handed over to international organizations on the ground to ensure its safe delivery to Gaza.
On his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that "Israel" has detained 22 Italians who were part of the Sumud Flotilla, confirming that they will be deported to their country within days.
In a statement published on Thursday, the German Foreign Ministry called on "Israel" to treat those aboard the boats headed for Gaza well and in a proportionate manner.
