South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the interception of the Global Sumud flotilla by Israeli authorities in international waters off Gaza, calling for the immediate release of detained South African nationals and other human rights activists.
The flotilla, composed of ships flying multiple national flags, was carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, where months of ongoing crisis have led to widespread famine, affecting primarily women and children.
President Ramaphosa described the interception as a “flagrant violation of international law, including maritime law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice, which stipulate that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely.”
“The interception of the Global Sumud flotilla constitutes a serious blow to the momentum of international solidarity aimed at alleviating suffering in Gaza and fostering peace in the region,” he added.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the operation is not only an aggression against civilians engaged in humanitarian work but also an attack on the sovereignty of the nations whose ships were involved. He reiterated his call for the aid cargo to be delivered without obstruction, stressing that “this flotilla is an act of solidarity with Gaza and not a provocation against Israel.”
Highlighting South Africa’s position, the president voiced support for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ call to lift the blockade on Gaza immediately. “My thoughts are with all those detained and their loved ones. Israel must release these human rights activists; these arrests achieve nothing,” Ramaphosa said, underlining the broader impact of such actions on peace efforts in the Middle East.
The interception has drawn international attention, sparking condemnation from human rights organisations and governments worldwide. The South African government has stated it will continue diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe delivery of aid and the protection of its citizens, while urging Israel to respect international humanitarian obligations.
The incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the challenges faced by the international community in delivering aid amid heightened tensions in the region.
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