By OBAKENG MAJE
3 October 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said 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. Ramaphosa said on behalf of the government and nation, he calls 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.
He further said 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. Ramaphosa added that 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it strongly condemns the unlawful abduction of South African citizens and other international activists by the Israeli regime after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Gaza. FOSA said the flotilla was a humanitarian mission, carrying food and medical supplies destined for Palestinians living under an illegal and brutal blockade.
The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilompane said the Israeli navy’s violent interception and seizure is a direct violation of international law and basic human rights. Mashilompane said among those detained are South Africans who courageously stood up for justice and peace, including author and activist Zukiswa Wanner, who had warned in advance that she might be kidnapped by the occupying forces.
“Their only crime was solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. FOSA echoes the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the immediate release of all South Africans and other detained activists. We further demand that the South African government take urgent diplomatic and legal steps to secure their freedom.
“The United Nations and international community hold Israel accountable for its continued defiance of international law. Humanitarian missions are protected from illegal interference so that desperately needed aid reaches Gaza. South Africa knows from its own history that international solidarity is not a crime — it is a duty,” he said.
Mashilompane said just as the world stood with them in their darkest days of apartheid, today they stand firmly with the people of Palestine in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and peace. He said that Israel should free their activists, Palestine and end the blockade.
The Guardian 