Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla carrying several prominent South African figures has ignited widespread outrage across South Africa, triggering fresh protests and calls for the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria.
Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets of major cities, denouncing what they described as an “unjustifiable attack” on peaceful volunteers.
The incident has reignited South Africa’s deep-rooted solidarity with the Palestinian people — a cause many citizens continue to view through the lens of their own historical struggle against apartheid.
Tensions rose sharply after reports confirmed that several South Africans were among those detained by Israeli forces. According to Health Care Workers for Palestine – South Africa (HCW4P-SA), the flotilla — named Sumud (Arabic for “steadfastness”) — consisted of about 50 vessels and 500 volunteers from 47 countries.
Among those arrested were Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela; author Zukiswa Wanner; activist Reaaz Moola; occupational therapist Fatima Hendricks; and entrepreneur Zaheera Soomar. Organizers said Israeli forces used water cannons, jammed communications, and threatened volunteers with firearms during the interception.
Outside the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, protesters chanted “Free our compatriots!”, “Stop the genocide in Gaza!”, and “Close the Israeli embassy!” while waving Palestinian flags and holding banners demanding an end to diplomatic relations with Israel.
Demonstration organizer Nkrumah Kgagudi described the operation as a “crime against humanity,” adding that “interrupting the delivery of medicine to civilian populations amounts to an attack on the right to life.” The HCW4P-SA has also urged the World Medical Association to suspend Israel’s membership and join the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign.
For many South Africans, the Gaza crisis evokes painful memories of their own past under apartheid. “Our country has suffered too much oppression to remain silent in the face of that of others,” said protester Khwezi Shongwe.
Pretoria has been one of Israel’s fiercest critics since the start of the Gaza conflict, even filing a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
With more rallies planned nationwide, the movement shows no sign of slowing. For protesters, standing with Palestine has become both a call for justice and a reaffirmation of Nelson Mandela’s legacy — a reminder that South Africa’s own freedom struggle continues to inspire its stance against oppression everywhere.
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