Mandla Mandela kidnapped by Israeli forces during intercept of humanitarian flotilla. Image: IOL.
(The Post News)- The grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was sailing to Gaza in a boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to deliver humanitarian aid, has been abducted by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla in the early hours of Thursday, 02 October 2025.
Reports indicate that the Israeli Navy intercepted global delegations and surrounded them at sea as they tried to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. Mandela recorded a video message confirming his alleged abduction.
“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.
GSF Confirms Mandela’s Abduction
GSF confirmed in a statement that the Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, detaining several delegates and targeting the vessels with drones and water cannons. According to GDF, these acts are unlawful under international law and constitute yet another attempt to stifle voices of solidarity and keep even the tiniest lifeline of aid from reaching Gaza.
Furthermore, the organization highlighted that the flotilla’s mission was purely humanitarian and peaceful. “The GSF was carrying civilians committed to drawing attention to the devastating conditions faced by Palestinians. Their mission is peaceful. Their objective is humanitarian,” reads the statement. GSF said the interception highlights the fact that Gaza is under siege not just by checkpoints and walls but also by warships, drones, and other isolationist measures.
The GSF urged the South African government to take swift action to secure the safe return of its nationals. “The Global Sumud Flotilla—RSA demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the delegates with full access to their lawyers and for Israel to respect all international laws and measures governing the protection of civilians and humanitarian missions, the unhindered delivery of the humanitarian aid, and the lifting of the siege that continues to strangle Gaza,” the statement concluded.
The South African contingent of the flotilla condemned the interception of its vessels by Israeli forces in international waters, describing the incident as a deliberate effort to prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Ramaphosa Calls for Immediate Release of GSF Abductees
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted. According to Ramaphosa, the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.
“The interception of the GSF is another grave offense by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region,” he noted in a statement.
He urged Israel to promptly free the South Africans kidnapped in international waters and to free additional citizens who attempted to enter Gaza with humanitarian aid on behalf of the South African government and people.
Ramaphosa added that South Africa calls on the Israeli government to ensure that the humanitarian aid cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza.
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