The International Relations Department has confirmed that procedures are underway to ensure the safe return of South Africans detained in Israel.
The group was aboard vessels part of the Global Sumud aid flotilla, which was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters last week.
In a statement on Sunday, DIRCO said a South African delegation had visited the detainees, who are being held at the Negev Israeli prison facility, and confirmed that they are in good health.
“The necessary procedures for their safe passage and return home to South Africa are advancing steadily,” read the DIRCO statement.
Among those detained are Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moolla. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged Israel to release them and other nationals, saying they had been “abducted” during the interception of the humanitarian flotilla, which sought to deliver aid to Gaza.
READ MORE: Calls for release of Global Sumud Flotilla members detained by Israel – Smile 90.4FM
The flotilla, on its social media page, said it will host an Instagram Live on Monday, at which time the lawyers representing those detained will provide an update on the matter.
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DIRCO on Israel/Hamas conflict
The flotilla’s travels and interception come amid broader peace efforts in the region.
In a statement on 4 October, DIRCO highlighted recent developments in this regard, welcoming the decision by Hamas to release Israeli hostages and calling on reciprocal action from Israel.
If Israel were to take reciprocal action, DIRCO believes it would lead to the restoration of trust and a de-escalation in conflict.
“[Reciprocal measures] represent a critical opportunity to uphold universal human dignity and build a foundation for a just and durable peace. We therefore emphasise that the release of Palestinian political prisoners, including children, and the abductees seized from the humanitarian flotilla must be urgently addressed,” read DIRCO’s 4 October statement.
South Africa continues to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and insists that “a lasting peace cannot be built upon the suppression of a people’s fundamental human rights”.
“We urge all parties to transcend this cycle of confrontation and address the root causes of the conflict. Guided by a commitment to a rules-based international order founded on international law, South Africa stands ready to support all genuine inclusive efforts aimed at achieving this definitive and peaceful resolution.”
