Videos: Ramaphosa demands release of South Africans seized in Gaza flotilla interception
The president has urged Israel to release South Africans, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, who were abducted in international waters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the government of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The Witness reports that Ramaphosa earlier today said the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and the infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.
South Africans who were on board the flotilla include grandson of former president Nelson Mandela, Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’, as well as Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla. Confirmation is pending on the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.
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,” he said.
Ramaphosa said 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,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that his thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and he expects that Israel will release the human rights activists.
A flotilla of boats carrying activists from dozens of countries, along with a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, was livestreamed on YouTube as it sailed towards Gaza in a bid to break Israel’s blockade.
Watch it here:
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Read original story on witness.co.za
