ISRAEL ‘COVERS UP’ MANDELA
MANDLA Mandela, along with several other South African activists, was apprehended by Israeli forces while heading to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) early Thursday morning.
The grandson of the late Nelson Mandela and a well-known activist was part of a delegation led by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, aimed at delivering essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where a United Nations inquiry has confirmed that the Israeli government is committing acts of genocide.
In a prerecorded message made as a precaution against interception by Israel, Mandela stated: “I am a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are viewing this video, it means we have been intercepted and abducted by the state of apartheid Israel.” He urged, “I call on our government to apply pressure for my immediate release.”
Delegates on the flotilla, including South African civilians Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Zukisa Wanner, Reaaz Moola, Bashera Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver, were reportedly detained while facing drone and water cannon attacks.
The GSF released a statement confirming: “We can verify that Israeli occupation forces have ambushed the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detaining some delegates and attacking the vessels with drones and water cannons.”
“These actions symbolize yet another effort to silence voices of solidarity and hinder even the smallest chance of relief reaching Gaza. This is illegal under international law.”
The Israeli foreign ministry announced that it would deport pro-Palestinian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces to Europe.
According to the ministry’s statement on X: “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their vessels are safely making their way to Israel, where the procedures for their deportation to Europe will commence. The passengers are safe and in good health.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Israeli government to immediately release the detained South Africans and other nationals following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Gaza.
The flotilla, consisting of numerous humanitarian vessels, was on a mission to provide aid to Palestinians living under blockade. In a strongly worded condemnation, President Ramaphosa criticized Israel’s actions.
The president remarked: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another serious offense by Israel against global solidarity and sentiment aimed at alleviating suffering in Gaza and promoting peace in the region.”