Dirco has confirmed that its delegation met with South African activists in Israel following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Image credit: SowetanLive
(The Post News) – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) on Sunday confirmed that its specialist team has already had a meeting with South African citizens in detention in Israel following the Israeli navy intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
The meeting took place at Negev prison center where the detainees are incarcerated. The activists are “in good health and high spirits,” Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed.
“On Sunday, our experienced team met the South African delegation at the Negev Israeli prison camp. Arrangements for their safe departure and back home are going on smoothly,” Phiri said.
Humanitarian Flotilla
The South Africans detained were among the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a fleet of some 45 ships with medical and relief aid to Gaza civilians. The flotilla, which set sail last month, was arranged by pro-Palestinian activists trying to end Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has been in place for decades.
More than 500 activists, volunteers, and politicians from 47 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, participated in the effort, the largest of its kind ever.
Israeli naval vessels intercepted the flotilla on Thursday before reaching Gaza shores, detaining hundreds of passengers for questioning.
Among the South Africans on board confirmed were ex-president Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, author and cultural activist Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moolla.
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the interception as “a grave offence against global solidarity.”
“On behalf of our government and our country, I urge Israel to free the South Africans who were abducted on high seas forthwith, and other citizens who tried to enter Gaza bearing humanitarian aid,” Ramaphosa said.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed the stance of South Africa in the conflict, urging all sides to pursue an immediate ceasefire.
“A lasting peace can never be built upon the foundation of squeezing a people’s fundamental human rights. This requires an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, as well as a robust political process that realizes the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and self-determination,” said Lamola.
In Lenasia, to the south of Johannesburg, around 100 protesters took part in Sunday’s Freedom Walk, demanding that the arrested activists be released.
Firoza Mayet, on behalf of the Palestine Solidarity Alliance, demanded a firmer government stance.
“Our top priority right now is to release the arrested South Africans and all the delegates. We are calling our government to sever all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel and put an end to impunity,” Mayet said.
Developments in Gaza
At the same time, the Gaza crisis escalated over the weekend as Israeli air attacks killed a minimum of 36 people, including children, according to local health authorities.
The attacks came despite reports that Hamas agreed to release all the remaining Israeli hostages pending conditions on the basis of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, involving a phased pullout of Israelis from Gaza.
“Movement reiterates its openness to engage in urgent negotiations through mediators to agree on details of this agreement,” Hamas said.
Trump had already warned Hamas of accepting the offer by Sunday or “suffer all hell.”
Dirco confirmed that releasing the detained South Africans is “at an advanced stage.”
The department is still engaged with Israeli officials and international stakeholders to facilitate their release.
South Africa contends that peace efforts at the global level must go beyond short-term ceasefires and address the underlying causes of the dispute, occupation, blockade, and denial of Palestinian sovereignty.
About the Author
