President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals, who he says were “abducted” as part of the Israeli authorities’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The flotilla comprised humanitarian vessels seeking to deliver aid to Gaza.

On Wednesday night, organisers confirmed that several vessels were intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces in international waters off Gaza.

Organisers say ship communications were deliberately damaged to block distress calls and live-streams.

Contact was then lost with other boats, and efforts were underway to account for all participants and crew.

The flotilla describes the raid as an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians and has called on world leaders to demand the safety and release of all on board.

President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these views, saying the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.

South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla.

President Ramaphosa said:

“The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel against global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.

“On behalf of our government and nation, 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.

“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.

“This action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.

“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.

“South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.

“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families, and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”

According to international reports, Israel will deport the members of the flotilla to Europe. 

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has said “all the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”