South Africans amongst those on intercepted flotilla

Israeli authorities intercept Global Sumud Flotilla

At least six South Africans were amongst those involved in the interception by Israeli authorities of most of the boats involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).

According to the live tracker for the flotilla, only four of the 44 boats are currently still sailing while 21 have been confirmed as intercepted and it is assumed that the remaining vessels have also been intercepted.

On 23 September, the GSF reported an escalation in drone actions against its boats, describing incidents of “targeted explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on and near the boats”.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a multinational civilian effort to break Israel’s siege of Gaza. More than 500 volunteers — doctors, lawyers, parliamentarians, unionists, and human rights defenders — joined the initiative to deliver medical supplies and food to Gaza’s population.

Speaking out against the actions by Israel, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has described the interception as abductions and called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says 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 Mandela, Zukwswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla, while confirmation is pending on the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.

President Ramaphosa said: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of 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.

PHOTO SOURCE: Global Sumud Flotilla Facebook page

SAR vessel to improve water safety