Despite the interceptions, most vessels continued their journey, nearing the coast of Gaza on Thursday morning.
Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, was among activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was intercepted by Israeli naval forces on Wednesday.
The Israeli navy is reported to have intercepted global delegations and surrounded them at sea as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-battered Palestinian territory.
Before his detention, Mandela recorded a video message warning of his alleged abduction by Israeli forces.
“My name is Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela. I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the apartheid state of Israel. I call on you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release,” he said.
WATCH | Israeli vessels are reportedly surrounding the Alma, one of the flotilla’s ships bound for Gaza. Chief Mandla Mandela, who is part of a South African delegation with the flotilla, is urging governments across the world to exert pressure on Israel to release them. pic.twitter.com/ANLZfymzz8
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 1, 2025
Global flotilla faces military action
The Israeli navy intercepted boats carrying aid to Gaza and detained the activists aboard, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, according to the BBC.
Greta Thunberg from the flotilla: “I'm not scared of Israel. I’m scared of a world that has seemingly lost all sense of humanity.”
— Matt Kennard (@kennardmatt) September 26, 2025
pic.twitter.com/ceb0c376aW
Israel’s Foreign Ministry reportedly stated that several vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla had been “safely stopped” and that those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port.
The navy had told the vessels to change course as they were “approaching an active combat zone”, the ministry added.
Aggressive tactics at sea
The flotilla accused Israeli forces of using violent methods to stop the convoy.
“The Israeli occupation navy forces are using active aggression on the Global Sumud Flotilla. A Florida vessel has been deliberately rammed at sea. Yulara, Meteque and others have been targeted with water cannons. These illegal attacks on unarmed humanitarians,” the GSF said.
As Israeli vessels reportedly surrounded the Alma, one of the flotilla’s ships, Mandela urged governments across the world to exert pressure on Israel to release the detained activists.
“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release,” the flotilla stated.
ALSO READ: SA calls on international community to ensure safe passage of Global Sumud Flotilla [VIDEO]
Israel has said it will “not allow any vessel to enter the active combat zone” and breach its naval blockade of Gaza.
On their way to Gaza again … but with Mandela?
Despite the interceptions, AFP reported that most vessels continued their journey as of early Thursday morning, nearing the coast of Gaza.
The flotilla posted on X at 3:20am local time that “30 boats still sailing strong on their way to Gaza, just 46 nautical miles away, despite the incessant aggressions from the Israeli occupation navy”.
It was not immediately clear if Mandela was on these boats.
The Citizen has reached out to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) for confirmation of Mandela’s whereabouts and comment on the incident.
They have not responded by the time of publishing this story, but said on Wednesday that the safety of those on the ships was of paramount importance.
“The South African government is closely monitoring the situation concerning the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is now navigating a high-risk area in the Mediterranean Sea. We note with grave concern the reports of unidentified drone activity in the vicinity of the civilian vessels.
“Any military engagement with or forceful detention of these vessels in international waters would constitute a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights,” it said.
Largest civilian flotilla yet
The Global Sumud Flotilla involves around 45 vessels from at least 44 countries, making it the largest civilian flotilla yet to attempt breaking Israel’s siege on Gaza, according to international reports.
The convoy left Spain last month carrying politicians and activists determined to deliver aid to Palestinians.
More than 50 boats were expected to converge in the Mediterranean on 4 September.
Among those on board were 23 South African citizens.
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Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The flotilla’s mission comes as the United Nations says famine has set in across Gaza. South Africa has repeatedly expressed concern over the devastating humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.
“The Palestinian civilian population requires immediate protection and sustained humanitarian assistance to counter the catastrophic levels of food insecurity and the threat of famine,” Dirco said.
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