World leaders have condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he posted a video in which detained pro-Palestinian activists, from the Global Sumud Flotilla, are taunted and mistreated.

The flotilla of about 50 boats, with more than 400 activists participating, was intercepted on its way to Gaza, with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation labelling it an illegal abduction in international waters.

Several South African Nationals were on board the flotilla.

In the footage posted by Ben-Gvir, which has been widely circulated, activists are made to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs while Ben-Gvir waves an Israeli flag and declares: “We are the masters.”

WATCH | Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shamelessly threw a humiliating “welcome party” for detained Global Sumud Flotilla activists, who were abused, held in a grueling stress position, and forced to listen to Israel’s national anthem. pic.twitter.com/zL4epSX9J8

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 20, 2026

Governments including the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, France and Australia criticised the treatment of the activists, while even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conduct was not in line with Israel’s values.

Las imágenes del ministro israelí Ben Gvir humillando a los miembros de la flotilla internacional en apoyo a Gaza son inaceptables.

No vamos a tolerar que nadie maltrate a nuestros ciudadanos. En septiembre anuncié la prohibición de acceso al territorio nacional de este miembro…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 20, 2026

The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 20, 2026

Rights groups have called for the immediate release of the activists.

Local outrage is also starting to grow. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has expressed its “profound outrage and unreserved condemnation” following the illegal interception and detention of South African citizens.

“The seizure of unarmed civilians in international waters is an act of state-sponsored lawlessness that seeks to silence the global conscience.”

The Foundation says this latest act of aggression follows a historical pattern of Israeli authorities obstructing solidarity missions.

“As an organisation rooted in the values of Ahmed Kathrada, we recognize this struggle; South Africans understand intimately that global solidarity is the lifeblood of liberation. Just as the world stood with us against the crime of apartheid, we must stand with those who brave the high seas to deliver hope to Gaza.”

Among the South Africans who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla is UWC postgraduate student, Hajar Kagiso Al Tha’irah Ahjum Mathee.

Hajar is pursuing a Master’s degree in Medical Bioscience at UWC and serves as Chairperson of the UWC Palestinian Solidarity Association student movement.

In a statement, UWC expressed its pride in Hajar, saying the institution stands in solidarity with Hajar, her family and friends, and all those participating in the Flotilla.

“We join the international call for the safe and immediate release of all detained participants and reaffirm our commitment to human rights, dignity, and global justice.”

Following the circulation of the footage, in which it appears activists are being mistreated, UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder said they are very concerned about the well-being of Hajar.

He said her family was also anxious to hear updates from her.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has greenlit plans for inner-city affordable housing and mixed-use development of a municipal parking lot next to the Civic Centre in the CBD.

The site is currently used as an open-air staff parking facility, but has been identified as having potential for mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, retail and public space upgrades.

It is strategically located within Cape Town’s CBD Foreshore precinct, next to the City’s Civic Centre complex, and close to major public transport infrastructure.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says this development should also offer mixed-use opportunities for shops, offices, and parking.

“This is how we are making under-used public assets work for Capetonians with a broader land release pipeline of over 12 000 affordable housing units.”

The City says the sale of the land will result in an estimated income of R230 million plus R50 million in annual rates and services revenue to support service delivery.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that the redevelopment will amount to R1,5 billion in private sector investment, resulting in the creation of approximately 3,500 jobs in the construction and related sectors during both construction and the life cycle of the development.

James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, says this project demonstrates the City’s commitment to acting in the best interests of the public.

“We are prepared to release underutilised City-owned assets where this can unlock far greater value for the economy, create jobs, attract investment and improve the urban environment. This Civic Centre parking site presents a unique opportunity to support inclusive growth while ensuring that well-located public land is used more efficiently for the benefit of all residents.”

Housing activists, Ndifuna Ukwazi, have welcomed this announcement as an important step toward addressing Cape Town’s housing crisis and spatial inequality.

They say it reflects a growing recognition that well-located public land should be prioritised for affordable housing rather than underutilised parking infrastructure or exclusive private development.

This is one of several exciting inner-city land-release initiatives that will together deliver thousands of well-located affordable units over time.

Others include the City’s Fruit & Veg site on Roeland Street, Harrington Square, several more sites in Woodstock and Salt River, and the City’s support for provincial-led projects at Buitengracht Street and Artscape.

Following the Mayoral Committee’s recommendation, the report will now be submitted to Council for consideration on 27 May 2026. Subject to Council approval, the City will start a formal public participation process, during which residents, stakeholders and interested parties will be invited to submit comments on the proposed redevelopment.