South Africa demands release of activists ‘abducted’ by Israel
South Africa has demanded the immediate release of activists, including at least three of its nationals, detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla left Spain a month ago with people from 44 countries aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave. Late Thursday, the organizers said 42 boats were “illegally intercepted” and their passengers “unlawfully abducted.”
An estimated 443 people were detained from the boats, many of whom were allegedly assaulted with water cannons by Israeli naval forces. According to South Africa’s Foreign Ministry, six South Africans, including former President Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela, were on the aid mission before the interception.
“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,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement.
He said the action “also violates an International Court of Justice (ICJ) injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.”
Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025
South Africa has long opposed Israel’s military actions in Palestinian territory and has filed a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing West Jerusalem of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has denied the allegations. The humanitarian situation has worsened as Israeli troops advance into Gaza City in the ongoing war with Hamas. More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and nearly the entire population has been displaced.
On Thursday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on X that the “Hamas-Sumud provocation yachts,” referring to the Global Sumud Flotilla, attempted to “enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade.”
The ministry said the activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were “safe and in good health” and were being transferred to Israel, “from where they will be deported to Europe.”
