South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels trying to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
On Wednesday, 1 October, the Global Sumud confirmed that its vessels were intercepted.
“Prior to illegally intercepting the ships it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the live-stream of their illegal boarding.
“In addition to the boats being confirmed to be intercepted, live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats,” it said.
Reacting to the news, Ramaphosa said the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.
“On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that the interception also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.
“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.
“South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible. My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East,” he added.
