“A Blockade on Solidarity”: Amnesty South Africa Slams Israel Over Global Sumud Flotilla Seizure

A Humanitarian Mission Meets Force: South Africans Demand Answers After Flotilla Seizure

What was meant to be a voyage of hope, a multi-nation effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, has now erupted into a diplomatic showdown, with South African voices at the forefront.

Amnesty International South Africa has condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), calling it “an unlawful act designed to intimidate humanitarian workers.”

The flotilla, carrying international activists and medical supplies, included Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and a sitting South African MP. His presence on board instantly turned the incident into more than just a maritime dispute, it became a symbolic clash between South Africa’s legacy of anti-apartheid solidarity and Israel’s tightening grip over Gaza.

“Not Defence, Desperation”: Amnesty Responds

Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, didn’t mince words.

“This interception is not just about blocking aid; it is a calculated act of intimidation intended to punish and silence critics of Israel’s genocide and its unlawful blockade of Gaza.”

She warned that the detained passengers, reportedly held in international waters were at risk of ill-treatment and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

Ramaphosa Joins the Chorus: “Release Our Citizens, Now”

President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed Amnesty’s call, issuing a rare direct rebuke of Israel:

“The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence against global solidarity aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza. Israel must immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters.”

He went further, reminding the world that interception in international waters is a violation of international law and an insult to every nation whose flag flew on the flotilla’s vessels.

Mandla Mandela’s Final Words Before Detention

Before losing contact, Mandla Mandela recorded a video warning that he and his crew were “about to be abducted by Israeli forces.”

His statement reverberated across South African social media, with hashtags like #FreeMandlaMandela and #LetAidThrough trending overnight.

Most Ships Continue, Spirit of Defiance Remains Afloat

Despite the interception, the majority of vessels in the flotilla reportedly continued onward, edging closer to Gaza’s coastline as of Thursday morning.

Their mission, symbolic as much as material, has now been amplified by resistance rather than stopped by force.

More Than a Maritime Dispute, A Test of Global Conscience

South Africa’s reaction isn’t just political; it’s deeply rooted in its historical identity.

For many citizens, watching humanitarian volunteers detained at sea, including the descendant of the world’s most famous freedom fighter, evokes bitter memories of apartheid-era repression.

What happens next will depend on international pressure and media persistence.

But one thing is clear:

This flotilla may have been intercepted, but its message of defiance has only just begun its journey.

{Source: The Citizen}

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